October 7, 2024 | Net Health
16 min read
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits: Wound Care for the Win
When traditional treatments fail to help a wound heal fully, advanced wound care is there to offer another avenue. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in particular offers many benefits. Advanced wound care covers a number of treatments that can be used when standard methods fail to show improvement in the wound’s healing process or allow it to heal in an expected period of time. These options can increase the intensity of the treatment, involve newer techniques or products, or more expensive therapies that shouldn’t be a first-line treatment if possible.
Enter: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, an advanced approach used to treat chronic wounds and stave off the expansion of or heal some necrotic tissue. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber is a specialized environment where patients breathe pure oxygen at elevated pressures. There are two main types of hyperbaric oxygen chambers: monoplace chambers, designed for single patients, and multiplace chambers, which accommodate multiple patients. For the past few decades, it’s been a tool to help with the treatment of some wounds, but not all. It’s not recommended for everything, and as it requires specialized equipment and a purposeful approach, should not be the first line of treatment for most wounds.
But in the case that it becomes necessary, there are a lot of benefits – and some potential things to avoid – to hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is a therapy in which the patient is placed in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber filled with 100% oxygen, which is more concentrated than the air we breathe as it doesn’t include other gasses we would normally breathe in. This allows more oxygen to reach the injured tissue via the bloodstream, which in turn should allow for an increased healing capacity. There are different types of hyperbaric chambers, such as monoplace chambers for single patients and multiplace chambers for multiple patients. Healthcare providers conduct assessments to determine the duration and number of hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions needed, as well as important safety precautions prior to entering the hyperbaric environment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was originally developed in the early 1900s, though it took a few decades before the technology was useful on a wider scale. Like many other innovations through the 20th century, it was developed by the U.S. military, in this case, as a treatment for decompression sickness. Because the chamber is pressurized, it can be adjusted to replicate the pressure of a diver coming up at certain depths, thus treating the symptoms of decompression sickness.
Since then, it’s also been used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning, in which carbon monoxide takes the place of oxygen in the bloodstream as it binds with hemoglobin and reduces the ability of the blood to bring oxygen around the body. When the patient is put into a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, the increase in oxygen can counteract the effect of the carbon monoxide.
More recently, this increased oxygen capacity began to be applied to wounds. Blood flow is very important to wound healing, so increased oxygen capacity can help deliver higher levels of oxygen, antibodies, and more to the wound to speed up healing and prevent infection.
In most cases, when approved indicated conditions are diagnosed in patients, insurance will cover the costs for patients where hyperbarix , perhaps with a copay. This may be covered by Medicare and private health insurance in the US, as applicable.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps by significantly increasing the amount of oxygen your body can absorb. This process takes place in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, where the air pressure is raised to two to three times higher than normal air pressure. This heightened pressure allows your lungs to gather more pure oxygen within the hyperbaric chamber than they would under typical conditions with normal air pressure. The pure oxygen you breathe in the chamber is then carried by your bloodstream to tissues and organs throughout your body.
This influx of oxygen can help reduce inflammation, promote faster healing, and even kill certain bacteria. By improving blood flow and reducing swelling, HBOT creates an optimal environment for recovery. Whether it’s aiding in the healing of chronic wounds or combating infections, the advantages of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are numerous and impactful.
What Types of Wounds Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats many types of wounds, and even many that may experience abnormal healing or become chronic wounds. There are several approved wounds that hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats, including burns, especially those from radiation, skin grafts and flaps that have failed, and infected wounds, particularly necrotizing fasciitis and some gangrene.
Diabetic wounds in particular have been found to respond well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps other ways as well. Commonly hyperbaric oxygen therapy used to treat air or gas embolism, a critical condition requiring immediate treatment, has shown successful outcomes. Stage 3 diabetic wounds, those that have progressed to become abscesses, osteomyelitis, or tendonitis, that haven’t responded to traditional treatment for at least a month are specifically indicated for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society sets standards for the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and have found that there are many other conditions that may benefit from the use of this therapy that are not yet approved as indications.
What Are the Unapproved Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
There are unapproved uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment, including several wound categories. Autism, stroke, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have all been found to be unresponsive to hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Individuals with certain types of lung disease should not get hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to the associated risks, such as lung collapse and other serious lung-related complications—which seems in line with other conditions that have succeeded and failed to be treated and therefore patients should not receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Diagnoses that do not seem to be caused by or improved by increased blood flow or higher concentrations of oxygen in the bloodstream typically do not respond to hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment. While there is no single cause isolated, patients with autism and ADHD are often found to have structural differences of the brain, which cannot be fixed by increased oxygen availability or blood flow.
When it comes to wounds, this is less common. Wound healing relies on blood flow to bring clotting factors and other helpful tools the body uses to close wounds and return the area to its normal state. The major considerations for wound treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy are pressure and medication related.
Medications that include disulfiram should be avoided when considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as it inhibits the mechanism that prevents oxygen toxicity. Given the increase in oxygen inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, oxygen toxicity can be a genuine concern. With the pressure changes in the chamber, untreated pneumothorax is fully contraindicated. Other injuries, like those near the inner ear or other pressure-sensitive areas of the body, can present a problem inside of the pressurized chamber. Similarly, pregnancy, implanted devices like pacemakers and pumps, and claustrophobia should be considered before administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Conditions Treated by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a versatile medical treatment approved by the FDA to address a wide range of illnesses and injuries. This therapy is particularly effective for conditions where increased oxygen levels can significantly enhance healing and recovery. Some of the conditions that may be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy include:
- Hard-to-Heal Wounds: Chronic wounds that have not responded to traditional treatments.
- Injuries: Including crush injuries and burns.
- Infections: Such as necrotizing soft tissue infections and osteomyelitis.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: HBOT helps displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, restoring normal oxygen levels.
- Decompression Sickness: Commonly known as “the bends,” often experienced by divers.
- Air or Gas Embolism: A critical condition where gas bubbles enter the bloodstream.
- Skin Grafts and Flaps: Particularly when they have failed to heal properly.
- Diabetic Wounds: Especially those that have progressed to severe stages.
- Radiation Injuries: Damage caused by radiation therapy.
- Fournier’s Gangrene: A severe bacterial infection.
- Gas Gangrene: A life-threatening condition caused by bacterial infection.
In addition to these FDA-approved uses, HBOT has shown promise in clinical trials and studies for treating conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. While not yet FDA-approved for these conditions, ongoing research continues to explore the potential benefits of HBOT.
It’s important to remember that HBOT is not a standalone cure but should be used in conjunction with other treatments and therapies to maximize its effectiveness.
Wound Charting Best Practices
Whatever the wound, whatever the treatment, make sure you’re charting accurately and efficiently. This applies also with hyperbaric oxygen therapy used as a form of treatment.
Wound Charting Best Practices
Whatever the wound, whatever the treatment, make sure you’re charting accurately and efficiently.
What Are the Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Thankfully, there are many benefits to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, besides the potential upside for wounds that have not responded to more traditional treatment options. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can trigger the release of growth factors and stem cells that promote healing.
Increased Oxygen in the Blood Stream
The biggest benefit is the aforementioned increase in oxygen in the blood. The swelling caused by an injury or wound can strangle blood flow to the area, leaving the tissue without sufficient oxygen to die. Hyper-oxygenated blood can counteract this, and slow or reverse the damage to necrotic tissue. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also critical in treating gas embolism, where gas bubbles in the bloodstream can cause ischemic injuries. This is true with other causes of necrotic tissue as well, from things like blood clots or necrotizing fasciitis.
Encouraging the Formation of New Skin Cells
Along with oxygen, blood flow circulates growth and clotting factors. These allow for normal wound healing, in the case of clotting factors that help close a wound that doesn’t respond to typical treatment. The growth factors allow for new blood vessels to generate in the injured tissue, in turn allowing for even more blood flow to the area thus more oxygen.
New blood vessels, new skin cells… it’s all part of wound healing. For the wound to return to normal, the scar tissue to form, new cell genesis is necessary.
Improved Immune Response
In those cases where bacteria gets into a wound and causes an infection, whether necrotizing fasciitis or something a bit more common, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can provide some healing here as well. Increased oxygen can help tissue be more resistant to the effects and expansion of the bacterial infection. On top of that, hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the availability of white blood cells in the blood stream and their ability to get to the site of the wound and infection.
Preventing the Return Blood Flow to the Site of an Injury
When severe tissue damage occurs, blood flow can become cut off or interrupted. When blood flow does return, it can, ironically, cause damage of its own. Oxygen radicals in the blood stream can damage the tissue in the area by restricting blood vessels and cutting off the flow of blood to the area. A benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is its ability to transport more of the body’s clean up molecules to solve the issue.
All of these benefits are thanks to the increase in oxygen-carrying capacity that hyperbaric oxygen treatment provides. One function, many benefits.
Are There Risks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment?
As with any treatment, there are risks and side effects possible with the therapy. Aside from those conditions we mentioned earlier that are contraindicated for the therapy to begin with—pneumothorax, pregnancy, medication conflicts—side effects and complications from the treatment itself are possible
Pneumothorax is also a potential complication of the treatment, even if it was not present before, as a result of the higher pressure inside the chamber. The pressure can also damage ear drums, ear canals, blood vessels, and other pressure-sensitive structures.
Other potentially serious side effects of the treatment include seizures and hemorrhage. This is likely due to the high concentration of oxygen in the blood, which can become toxic at high enough levels. Oxygen poisoning is a rare but severe complication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The level at which oxygen toxicity begins has not been defined yet, but should be monitored closely. Luckily, both of these complications are rare.
Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Care
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a powerful tool in the realm of wound care, offering numerous benefits that can significantly enhance the healing process. By increasing the amount of oxygen in the body, hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to:
- Promote Collagen Synthesis and Tissue Repair: Oxygen is crucial for the production of collagen, a key component in wound healing.
- Enhance the Body’s Natural Healing Capabilities: Increased oxygen levels accelerate the body’s ability to repair damaged tissues.
- Reduce Bacterial Growth and Prevent Infection: Oxygen-rich environments are hostile to many types of bacteria, reducing the risk of infection.
- Improve Blood Flow and Reduce Swelling: Enhanced oxygen levels help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation around the wound site.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat a variety of wounds, including:
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Chronic wounds common in diabetic patients.
- Venous Ulcers: Wounds caused by poor blood circulation in the veins.
- Arterial Ulcers: Wounds resulting from insufficient blood flow through the arteries.
- Pressure Ulcers: Also known as bedsores, these are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.
- Surgical Wounds: Post-operative wounds that are slow to heal.
- Traumatic Wounds: Injuries resulting from accidents or trauma.
Typically, HBOT is used in conjunction with other wound care treatments such as debridement, dressing changes, and antibiotics. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of wound healing are addressed, providing the best possible outcomes for patients.
The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment Process
The HBOT treatment process is straightforward and designed to ensure patient comfort and safety. Here’s what you can expect:
- Preparation: Before your session, you’ll be asked to remove any metal objects and electronic devices. You’ll also change into a 100% cotton gown to avoid static electricity.
- Chamber Preparation: The hyperbaric chamber will be prepped, and you’ll be assisted into it.
- Pressure Increase: The air pressure inside the chamber will gradually increase to two to three times higher than normal air pressure.
- Oxygen Administration: You’ll breathe pure oxygen through a mask or hood, which helps increase the oxygen levels in your body.
- Treatment Duration: Each session typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on your specific condition and treatment plan.
- Pressure Decrease: After the session, the air pressure will be slowly reduced back to normal levels.
- Post-Treatment Care: You’ll be helped out of the chamber and monitored for any side effects or complications.
This process ensures that you receive the maximum benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a controlled and safe environment.
What to Expect After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
After undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you might experience some mild side effects. These can include:
- Mild fatigue
- Headaches
- Ear or sinus pressure
- Temporary vision changes
These side effects are generally mild and temporary, often manageable with over-the-counter medications or other simple treatments. It’s important to follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as:
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Avoiding strenuous activities for a few hours after treatment
- Monitoring your vital signs and reporting any changes to your healthcare provider
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and maximize the benefits of your hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions.
What happens after hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves a gradual decrease in pressure within the chamber. Post-treatment, healthcare providers will monitor your vital signs and overall condition. Some patients may experience feelings of drowsiness, which is normal and typically short-lived.
Get Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits
If you’re going to consider taking steps to get hyperbaric oxygen therapy, here are where to start:
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is suitable for your condition.
- Find a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center: Search online or ask your healthcare provider for recommendations on reputable hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers in your area.
- Schedule a Consultation: Arrange a consultation with the chosen center to discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized treatment plan including hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Receive Treatment: Follow your treatment plan, which may involve multiple hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions over several weeks or months.
- Follow Up with Your Healthcare Provider: Regularly check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the process of receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy and take advantage of its numerous benefits for wound healing and overall health.
Receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a straightforward and generally comfortable process. Here’s what you can expect during a typical hyperbaric oxygen therapy session:
- Preparation: Before your session, you’ll be asked to change into a 100% cotton gown and remove any metal objects or electronic devices to prevent static electricity.
- Entering the Chamber: You will be seated or lie down in a hyperbaric chamber, which is a specialized room or tube that is pressurized with oxygen.
- Pressure Increase: The hyperbaric oxygen chamber will be sealed, and the air pressure will be gradually increased to 1.5 to 3 times normal air pressure. This process is carefully monitored to ensure your comfort.
- Breathing Oxygen: Throughout the treatment, you will breathe normally, and the oxygen will be absorbed into your bloodstream.
- Duration: Each session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on your specific condition and treatment plan.
- Pressure Decrease: After the session, the pressure will be slowly reduced back to normal levels.
- Post-Treatment: You may experience some ear pressure or discomfort during the treatment, but this can usually be relieved by yawning or swallowing.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and painless treatment, but it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s essential to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your doctor before starting hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits Many Conditions
Treatment options for chronic or non-healing wounds are always changing and innovating, but one steadfast option for some types of wounds is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The patient is situated in a pressurized chamber—often clear, so don’t worry too much, claustrophobes—filled with 100% oxygen, enabling more oxygen to reach damaged or injured tissues. Higher concentrations of oxygen have been shown to speed up healing. The hyperbaric environment, characterized by high-pressure conditions, significantly affects patient experiences and treatment outcomes by addressing complications such as barotrauma and the malfunctioning of medical devices.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also prevent the spread of infection, and even reverse some necrotic tissue damage. However, it’s not for everyone: people with untreated pneumothorax should not undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Providers should also consider contraindications with medications, the patient’s pregnancy status, and any other considerations, like that aforementioned claustrophobia.
It’s not without its potential side effects, however. The most common complication is damaged ear drums and nasal cavities as a result of the increased pressure in the chamber. Other, more serious, but much rarer, complications include seizure and hemorrhage.
New uses for hyperbaric oxygen treatment are constantly being suggested and tested. It’s an effective treatment for many wounds, particularly diabetic wounds that haven’t improved in several weeks. Focus on hyperbaric oxygen treatment as an advanced treatment for those difficult wounds that aren’t healing normally.
Getting Started with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
If you’re considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), here’s how to get started:
- Consult with Your Doctor: The first step is to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if HBOT is suitable for your condition. Your doctor will review your medical history and current health status to ensure you’re a good candidate for the therapy.
- Find a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center: Look for reputable hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers or clinics in your area. Your healthcare provider may have recommendations, or you can search online for accredited facilities.
- Schedule an Initial Consultation: Arrange a consultation with a hyperbaric medicine specialist at the chosen center. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Begin Your Treatment: Follow your treatment plan, which may involve multiple HBOT sessions over several weeks or months. Each session typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours.
- Regular Follow-Ups: Regularly check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires a commitment, as multiple sessions are often needed to achieve the desired results. However, the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be significant, making it a valuable addition to your overall treatment plan. By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the process of receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy and take advantage of its numerous benefits for wound healing and overall health. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps many and is becoming a more commonly used therapy suggested by an experienced healthcare provider.