OXYGEN THERAPY & HYPERBARIC
WHAT IS HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen in a pressurized environment, at a level higher than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). Increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve and saturate more effectively in the blood system, primarily the plasma (independent of hemoglobin), which yields a broad variety of positive physiological, biochemical and cellular effects. This non-invasive therapy is the most trusted way to increase oxygen levels to all organs of the body. The typical treatment lasts for 50-60 minutes, during which the patient lies down and breathes normally.
GAS LAWS OF PHYSICS
BOYLE'S LAW.
"The absolute pressure exerted by a given mass of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to the volume it occupies if the temperature and amount of gas remain unchanged within a closed system.'
CHARLES' LAW:
"The volume of a given mass of an ideal gas is directly proportional to its temperature on the absolute temperature scale (in Kelvin) if pressure and the amount of gas remain constant; that is, the volume of the gas increases or decreases by the same factor as its temperature.”
Henry’s Law:
“At a constant temperature, the amount of a given gas that dissolves in a given type and volume of liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas in equilibrium with that liquid.”
There are 13 APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY and several other indications currently being studied
- HBOT for Air or Gas Embolism
- HBOT for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- HBOT for Gas Gangrene
- HBOT for Crush Injury
- HBOT for Decompression Sickness
- HBOT for Arterial Insufficiencies
- HBOT for Intracranial Abscess
- HBOT for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
- HBOT for Delayed Radiation Injury
- HBOT for Osteomyelitis
- HBOT for Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps
- HBOT for Severe Anemia
- HBOT for Thermal Burn Injury
BENEFITS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
By increasing tissue oxygenation, optimal cellular functioning can be achieved. More oxygen creates more energy for accelerated repair and enhanced regeneration of tissue. Hypoxic tissue (low oxygen levels) can lead to cell death and is a common theme in most major health challenges; it is associated with several life threatening diseases including stroke, heart attack, cancer, diabetes and many more. By increasing oxygen levels, the body has increased aid to prevent and treat pathophysiological events.
Anti-Infectious
Oxygen has the ability to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses, while simultaneously enhancing the natural defense activity of white blood cells.
MILD-HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
mHBOT is a much simpler procedure that consists of entering a hyperbaric chamber and experiencing a 30 percent increase in pressure, equaling 1.3 atmospheres or 10 feet below sea level. This serves as the highest pressure approved by the FDA for soft-sided chambers and allows for an exceptionally safe increase in tissue oxygen levels. Studies have shown a 50 percent increase, or more, in plasma oxygenation after one hour of treatment in a 1.3 atmosphere environment, with compressed room air only. By omitting deep depths of pressure and the use of high oxygen concentrations, mHBOT is an extremely safe way to cause a significant enhancement of oxygen in the body.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
The typical application, that has demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety, is 60 minute sessions, once or twice per day, 5 days a week. Recent clinical trials parallel the protocol of 40 hours of therapy within a 30 day period.
IS IT SAFE?
HBOT is exceptionally safe, particularly when applied at lower pressures and following proper guidelines, Note, oxygen toxicity and adverse reactions are rare and pertain more towards clinical applications in hospital settings, where patients are delivered a much higher dosage due to acute and life-threatening conditions. When applied at lower dosages, there have been impeccable safety records shown,