Embolism (bubbles in the blood or body tissue)
An embolism is a blockage in the bloodstream. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a recompression chamber is the primary treatment for air or gas embolism.
Decompression sickness is the formation of gas bubbles in body tissue and blood caused by a sudden decrease in pressure around the body.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a recompression chamber is the primary treatment for decompression sickness.
Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
Anemia is a lack of oxygenated blood, specifically red blood cells (RBCs). HBOT pushes enough oxygen into blood plasma to reach vital organs and tissues.
Infections
Gas gangrene is a severe and rapidly spreading infection of soft tissue. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is thought to inhibit the bacteria from replicating, spreading, and releasing toxins.
An intracranial abscess is an accumulation of pus within the skull. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is emerging as an adjunct to traditional surgery and antibiotic therapy for intracranial abscess.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections are rare, serious, and sometimes life-threatening infections caused by a number of different bacteria, in a single strain or mixed. Hyperbaric oxygen
therapy is emerging as an adjunct to traditional surgery and antibiotic therapy for these special kinds of problem wounds.
Osteomyelitis is inflammation of bone or bone marrow caused by infection. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an effective adjunct to traditional treatments for osteomyelitis.
Ischemia (restricted blood flow)
Ischemia means an inadequate supply of blood to organs and tissues. Traumatic ischemias are sudden losses of adequate flow of blood due to an injury.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the circulation of oxygenated blood to wounds to help fight infection, reduce swelling, and promote healing of damaged tissue.
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a blockage in one of the small arteries that supply blood to the retina of the eye. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one of the few treatments proven effective for central retinal artery occlusion.
Compartment syndrome results when pressure in the body caused by injury or disease restricts blood flow to tissue and organs. Hyperbaric oxygen increases the carrying capacity of the limited blood supply and helps reduce swelling.
A crush injury occurs when a body part is subjected to a high degree of force or pressure. Hyperbaric treatment increases the supply of oxygen to tissues supplied by damaged blood vessels.
A skin graft is a piece of skin transplanted onto a complex wound. Skin flaps occur when tissue is largely detached. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used both to prepare wound sites
before transplant and to aid in healing after transplant of skin grafts and reattachment of flaps.
Neurologic Conditions
Sensorineural hearing loss, or nerve-related deafness, is a sudden or rapidly progressive loss of hearing related to problems with the inner ear and the nerves that connect the ear to the brain. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen tension in the blood and tissues and dissolves extra oxygen in the blood plasma to better supply the structures, fluids, and nerves of the inner ear.
Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning results from the inhalation of a highly toxic gas that has no color, odor, or taste. Hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to block all known cellular mechanisms of CO toxicity.
Cyanide compounds effect cellular metabolism and impair oxygen use by body tissues. Hyperbaric oxygen can be used in conjunction with standard therapies.
Inhaled particulates, thermal injuries, carbon monoxide, and cyanide can all be present in smoke inhalation cases. Hyperbaric oxygen can be used in conjunction with standard therapies.
Problem Wounds
Chronic or problem wounds are wounds that do not heal by the normal stages or in a reasonable period of time. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps repair wounds and enhance healing by improving blood circulation and tissue oxygenation in the wound bed.
Diabetic ulcers are chronic, complex, or problem wounds of the legs and feet in people with diabetes. Evidence for hyperbaric oxygen is especially strong in diabetic foot ulcers classified Wagner Grade 3 or higher.
Radionecrosis is a complication of cancer radiation therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is widely accepted as an effective treatment for delayed radiation injuries.
Thermal Injuries
A thermal burn is an injury caused by heat or fire. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy slows the progression of skin and lung damage and reduces swelling.
About Diseases and Conditions