What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has attracted increasing attention from the public in recent years. In fact, this painless, non-invasive treatment method has been around for a long time and is beneficial for a variety of diseases, trauma or post-surgical complications. It is also suitable for some “disease-free and painless” people who simply hope to improve their overall health. people.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a stand-alone treatment or used as an adjunctive treatment. The principle is to allow patients to inhale pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which greatly increases the oxygen concentration in the body, thereby bringing about multiple physiological reactions. Whether it is radiation tissue damage, diabetic foot ulcers, brain trauma, sudden deafness, or many other diseases related to the nervous system, heart, and vascular system, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has certain effects.
The following is a brief introduction to the five major health benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
- Promote wound healing
In a high-pressure environment, oxygen is not only delivered through the hemoglobin of red blood cells, but can also be dissolved in the plasma and directly supplied to tissues and organs, helping to provide sufficient oxygen to repair damaged tissues. Additionally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy induces the release of growth factors and stem cells that promote angiogenesis while stimulating the growth of collagen, which is critical to the wound healing process. This effect is helpful in treating chronic diabetic wounds, radiation cystitis, bone and soft tissue injuries, and surgical wounds that are difficult to heal. - Improve brain function
Studies have found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves blood flow to the brain, which helps reduce inflammation and promote brain cell regeneration, thereby improving cognitive function, memory and overall brain health. This is important in recovery from stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions. For people with Alzheimer’s disease, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve brain metabolism, thereby improving memory, concentration and reducing feelings of disorientation.
MRI scans show that before receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (left in the picture) and after treatment (right in the picture), there are obvious changes in blood flow in the brain (the darker the color, the higher the blood flow).
(Image source: https://aviv-clinics.com/blog/brain-health/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-induces-cognitive-function-new-study/)
3.Anti-inflammatory effect
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly reduce certain pro-inflammatory cytokines (inflammatorycytokine), including IL-6, IL-1B and IL-2, while promoting the body’s natural production of anti-inflammatory compounds such as regulatory T cells (Treg). When inflammation is under control, the body is more able to respond to conditions such as chronic wounds, infections, post-surgical complications, traumatic brain injury, and more.
4.Antibacterial effect
Another function of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to fight bacteria, especially bacteria that require a low-oxygen environment to grow and reproduce. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help enhance immune function and combat bacteria that cause infections. It can also work synergistically with antibiotics to improve their overall efficacy. This property is particularly helpful in treating conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, and chronic soft tissue infections. Combined with its anti-inflammatory effects, hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps reduce tissue damage and prevent the spread of infection.
5.Improve sports performance
By increasing the amount of oxygen reaching body tissues, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also be used to enhance athletic performance, including improving endurance, increasing muscle strength, speeding up recovery time after strenuous exercise, and reducing muscle fatigue. Many top athletes, including American football player Tom Brady, NBA star LeBron James and mixed martial arts player Georges St-Pierre, are reported to have used it. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve performance.
In conclusion, as a non-invasive medical procedure, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has multiple benefits. However, it must be noted that the clinical effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on some diseases still needs further medical research to confirm. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not be suitable for individual patients. You should consult a doctor for professional advice before receiving the relevant treatment.
References:
• “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy,” Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy
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• “6 Reasons Top Athletes Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy”, Hyperbaric Medical Solutions. https://www.hyperbaricmedicalsolutions.com/blog/athletes-hbot
