Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is a medical treatment in which a person breathes pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. Treatment pressure is typically 2.0 to 3.0 times normal atmospheric pressure, measured in atmospheres absolute (ATA). Some protocols use lower pressures, but many approved uses require at least 2.0 ATA. This added pressure allows much more oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma and reach the body’s tissues.
Normally, most oxygen is carried by hemoglobin in red blood cells. During HBOT, the pressure pushes extra oxygen directly into the plasma. This can help tissues that are not getting enough oxygen on their own. The pressure also shrinks gas bubbles in the body, which is why HBOT is used for conditions such as decompression sickness and gas embolism.
Doctors use HBOT for a specific set of medical conditions. The core list includes decompression sickness, gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene and other severe soft-tissue infections, some diabetic foot ulcers, delayed radiation injuries, chronic bone infections (refractory osteomyelitis), and compromised skin grafts and flaps. Some burn injuries are also treated with HBOT, though this use is less firmly established than the others. Approved uses can differ between medical organizations and countries.
HBOT is not a proven treatment for every condition it is promoted for. For autism, stroke, multiple sclerosis, migraine, and many inflammatory disorders, it remains investigational and is not standard of care. The evidence differs from one condition to the next. For people with cancer, HBOT may help manage radiation injuries caused by treatment, but it does not treat the cancer itself.
When given properly, HBOT is generally safe. It can cause side effects from pressure changes and high oxygen levels, such as ear discomfort and, in rare cases, more serious complications. Treatment should always be overseen by qualified medical professionals.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice about any health concern.