Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are vast and varied, including increased energy, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and faster healing times for injuries and illnesses. Our mission at Longevity Health is to help our patients achieve optimal health and wellness through the power of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, providing a safe and effective approach to healing and wellbeing. Whether you’re dealing with chronic health conditions or simply looking for a way to feel and look your best, we’re here to support you on your journey towards better health.
How does HBOT work?
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HBOT helps wound healing by bringing oxygen-rich plasma to tissue starved for oxygen. Wound injuries damage the body's blood vessels, They release fluid that leaks into the tissues and causes swelling. This swelling deprives the damaged cells of oxygen, and tissue starts to die. HBOT reduces swelling while flooding the tissues with oxygen. The higher pressure in the chamber increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. HBOT aims to break the cycle of swelling, oxygen starvation, and tissue death.
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HBOT prevents "reperfusion injury." This is the severe tissue damage that happens when the blood supply returns to the tissues after they have been deprived of oxygen. Blood flow can be interrupted by a crush injury, for instance. If this happens, a series of events inside the damaged cells leads to the release of harmful oxygen radicals. These molecules can do damage to tissues that can't be reversed. They cause the blood vessels to clamp up and stop blood flow. HBOT encourages the body's oxygen radical scavengers to seek out the problem molecules and let healing continue.
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HBOT helps block the action of harmful bacteria and strengthens the body's immune system. HBOT can disable the toxins of certain bacteria. It also increases oxygen concentration in the tissues. This helps them resist infection. And the therapy improves the ability of white blood cells to find and destroy invaders.
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HBOT encourages the formation of new collagen and new skin cells. It does so by encouraging new blood vessels to grow. It also stimulates cells to make certain substances, like vascular endothelial growth factor. These attract and stimulate endothelial cells needed for healing.
What happens during HBOT?
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Only a healthcare provider should prescribe HBOT. A number of hospitals offer these chambers. People relax, sit, or lie comfortably in these chambers and take deep breaths. Sessions can last from 45 minutes up to 300 minutes The time depends on the reason for the treatment.
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Your ears may feel plugged as the pressure is raised. This is similar to when you're in an airplane or the mountains. Swallowing or chewing gum will "pop" the ears back to normal.
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Your blood carries the extra oxygen throughout the body. This infuses the injured tissues that need more oxygen so they can start healing. You may feel lightheaded when a session is done. Mild side effects include claustrophobia, fatigue, and headaches. Always have someone drive you home after HBOT.
Precautions
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not for everyone. It shouldn't be used by people who have had a recent ear surgery or injury, a cold or fever, or certain types of lung disease.
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The most common complication after HBOT is trauma to the middle ear. Other possible complications are eye damage, lung collapse, low blood sugar, and sinus problems. In rare, severe cases, a person can get oxygen poisoning. This can lead to seizures, fluid in the lungs, lung failure, or other problems. Considering the possible risks and benefits, the decision to use hyperbaric oxygen therapy must be carefully made after a discussion with your healthcare provider.
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Several sessions are often needed. Best to check beforehand to see whether your insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare covers the cost.