When an injury occurs, a complex biological process begins, working to close wounds and restore damaged tissue. This healing cascade involves multiple phases, from initial inflammation and blood clotting to the formation of new tissue and final remodeling. For most minor injuries, this process unfolds without complication. For more complex or non-healing wounds, specialized wound care interventions may be explored to support the body’s natural mechanisms. One such intervention is hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This therapy is administered in a specialized chamber where the air pressure is increased above normal atmospheric pressure. The combination of increased pressure and high oxygen concentration allows the lungs to gather more oxygen than would be possible by breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure.
This oxygen-rich blood then circulates throughout the body, delivering a heightened supply of oxygen to tissues. The objective is to enhance the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, which can support the body’s healing functions. Oxygen is a key component that fuels tissue repair and regeneration. By increasing the oxygen available to cells, HBOT aims to facilitate the natural healing cascade.
What Does It Treat?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used as a component of treatment for a variety of medical conditions. In wound care, HBOT may be used in complex situations. These can include certain non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers. These can be resistant to standard treatments due to poor circulation. Other applications involve managing severe burns and radiation injuries that damage soft tissue and bone. The therapy is intended to support the compromised tissue by delivering a high concentration of oxygen. A qualified medical professional determines if a patient’s condition warrants this type of therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Does the Process Involve?
Undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a structured process conducted under strict medical supervision. Patients receive the treatment inside a specially designed chamber. There are two main types of chambers: monoplace and multiplace. A monoplace chamber is designed for a single person, in which the individual lies down within a clear, tube-like enclosure. A multiplace chamber is larger, resembling a room, and can accommodate several patients at once.
During a session, as the pressure inside the chamber is gradually increased, patients may feel a sensation of fullness in their ears, similar to what is experienced during an airplane’s ascent or descent. This is a normal response to the change in pressure. Patients are taught simple techniques, such as swallowing or yawning, to equalize pressure and alleviate this sensation. The number of sessions required varies widely depending on the medical condition being treated and is determined by the treating physician.
Seek Professional Wound Care
Navigating the options for wound care can be a complex journey. When a wound fails to heal with conventional methods, it is beneficial to consult specialists in advanced wound management. These professionals can perform a comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying factors that may be impeding the healing process. Finding a wound care specialist is a proactive step toward managing complex wounds and exploring all available therapeutic avenues to facilitate recovery.
