Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that entails breathing 100% pure oxygen in a chamber with increased atmospheric pressure.
This non-invasive treatment has shown to be effective in aiding the body’s natural healing process by increasing the amount of oxygen that the bloodstream can carry.
As a result, HBOT has been used to treat a variety of conditions ranging from decompression sickness to carbon monoxide poisoning.
HBOT is not a new medical treatment by any means. According to FoodNurish.com, the first recorded use of HBOT dates back to 1662 when a British physician used it to treat patients suffering from gunshot wounds.
Since then, HBOT has been used to treat a wide range of conditions with varying degrees of success.
However, it was not until recently that HBOT began to gain mainstream acceptance as a legitimate medical treatment.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
For our cells to function properly, they need oxygen. When our cells do not receive enough oxygen, they become damaged and begin to die. This can lead to all sorts of problems such as organ damage, tissue death, and even death.
The goal of HBOT is to increase the amount of oxygen that our cells receive so that they can heal properly.
This is accomplished by breathing 100% pure oxygen in a chamber with increased atmospheric pressure.
The increased pressure forces more oxygen into our bloodstream which then delivers it to our cells.
By increasing the amount of oxygen that our cells receive, HBOT aids in the body’s natural healing process.
Numerous studies have shown HBOT to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions ranging from traumatic brain injury and strokes to autism and multiple sclerosis.
And with the advancements in technology, personal hyperbaric chambers can be installed in homes for personal use. Check this list with a few recommendations for Hyperbaric chambers for home use.
What Are the Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
While HBOT is generally safe, some potential side effects should be considered before undergoing treatment.
These side effects include:
- Ear pain due to the build-up of pressure in the middle ear
- Reverse choking is where air enters the stomach instead of the lungs
- A feeling of claustrophobia due to being in a small space
- Nausea and vomiting
- Temporary vision changes due to the increased pressure on the eyeballs
- A “popping” sensation in the ears is similar to what you feel when descending in an airplane.
Most people do not experience any serious side effects from HBOT and any side effects that do occur are usually minor and go away on their own within a few days.
Conclusion:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and effective medical treatment that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions ranging from decompression sickness to carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you are considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, be sure to speak with your doctor about any potential risks or side effects before beginning treatment.
