Introduction
When tissues are oxygen-depleted due to wound injuries, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) employs oxygen-rich plasma to deliver oxygen into the tissues.
This treatment breaks the vicious cycle of swelling, oxygen deprivation, and tissue death by reducing edema and increasing blood oxygen levels. With the emergence of dedicated HBOT brands like Oxygen Ark, the understanding and usage of this therapy is becoming widespread.
The increased oxygen that the blood carries aids in the fight against infection and releases growth factors and stem cells that aid in the healing process.
HBOT improves blood oxygen levels, boosting healing and lowering the chance of problems brought on by cell death and tissue damage.
This treatment is efficient for a number of ailments that cause tissue damage or injury, including carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation injuries, and diabetic wounds.
However, in this article, we shall help you learn about some of the unique usages of hyperbaric oxygen chambers. So keep reading to understand these non-medical purposes.
Understanding The History Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used for over a century since the early 1900s.
The first hyperbaric chamber was built by an English physician named Henshaw in 1662 and was used to treat various conditions such as respiratory ailments and decompression sickness.
However, it was in the 1930s that hyperbaric oxygen therapy became more widespread.
During this time, the United States Navy began using hyperbaric chambers to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness known as bends.
Non-Medical Usages Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
Given below are some of the most important usages of HBOT chambers that you can apply besides medical purposes—
1. It Helps Hair Regeneration
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) positively affects hair growth by increasing the supply of oxygen to hair follicles.
In this therapy, pure oxygen is inhaled in a pressure chamber, and more oxygen is dissolved in the blood and transported to the tissues.
This increased oxygen supply improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the formation of new blood vessels in the scalp.
All of these are essential for healthy hair growth. However, HBOT therapy is not suitable for everyone experiencing hair loss.
Seeking a doctor to determine the underlying cause and consider appropriate treatment is recommended.
Additionally, HBOT therapy may not be covered by insurance and may be expensive.
Therefore, weighing the potential costs and benefits before undergoing this treatment is important.
2. It Helps In The Process Of Anti-Aging
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a pressure chamber therapy used to treat various conditions and wound healing purposes.
However, recent studies have shown potential anti-aging benefits such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell repair, and increasing collagen production.
HBOT costs vary by location and facility, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per session.
The number of sessions required for optimal results varies, with some people seeing results after just a few sessions and others requiring continuous treatment.
Despite the potential costs, many people are willing to invest in HBOT to improve their health and appearance.
Some insurance plans may also cover HBOT for certain medical conditions to offset treatment costs.
3. It Helps Improve Brain Functioning And Cognition
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical therapy that inhales pure oxygen in a pressure chamber.
Recent studies suggest that HBOT may improve brain function and cognition by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting the growth of new blood vessels and neurons.
Increased oxygen levels in the chamber stimulate the brain to produce more energy, promote healing, and reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby improving cognitive function.
In addition, HBOT increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein important for neuronal growth and survival.
Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of HBOT on brain function and cognition.
Using HBOT Chambers In Gyms And Spas?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) chambers are primarily used in medical settings but are increasingly used in non-medical settings such as gyms and spas.
In that light, institutions other than hospitals and care centers are applying hyperbaric oxygen treatment for several purposes.
Some gyms are starting to offer HBOT sessions to improve athletic performance and aid muscle recovery.
Meanwhile, spas incorporate HBOT chambers to promote relaxation and improve skin health.
However, it is important to note that using HBOT chambers in non-medical settings may not be regulated and may not have the same safety standards as those used in medical settings.
It is always recommended to consult a physician before using HBOT to ensure that the chamber used meets safety standards and is properly maintained.
Although the potential benefits of HBOT are promising, it is important to prioritize safety and caution when using this therapy.
Top 5 Acceptable Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can provide a range of therapeutic benefits. While the specific indications for HBOT may vary depending on the medical guidelines and individual circumstances.
Here are five generally accepted indications for hyperbaric oxygen treatment:
Decompression Sickness
HBOT is commonly used to treat decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” which occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream due to rapid changes in pressure, often in scuba diving or high-altitude activities.
Gas or Air Embolism
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is commonly employed in managing gas or air embolism, a condition characterized by gas bubbles in the bloodstream. Gas embolism can occur due to various factors, such as diving accidents, trauma, surgical procedures, or certain medical interventions.
Carbon monoxide poisoning (cyanide poisoning)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can effectively treat carbon monoxide poisoning, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide gas. HBOT helps to increase the elimination of carbon monoxide and enhance the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Severe anemia
Severe anemia, characterized by a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin levels, can have various causes, including chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, genetic disorders, or blood loss. While the primary treatment for severe anemia often involves addressing the underlying cause, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be supportive in certain cases.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are severe and rapidly progressing infections that affect the skin, underlying subcutaneous tissues, and sometimes muscle layers. These infections are characterized by the affected tissues’ rapid destruction and death (necrosis). Given the seriousness of NSTIs, prompt and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent further tissue damage and systemic complications.
Usages of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber: Home Safety Tips
Using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at home requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of individuals using the chamber.
Here are some home safety tips for using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber:
- Consult with a healthcare professional.
- Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific hyperbaric oxygen chamber model.
- Ensure the room where the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is placed is well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of oxygen.
- Smoking, open flames, or sparks should be strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
- Restrict access to the hyperbaric oxygen chamber to authorized individuals only.
- Have a clear emergency plan in place, including knowledge of how to operate the hyperbaric oxygen chamber in case of an emergency.
Takeaway
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has various medical indications, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds, gas gangrene, and radiation tissue injury.
These conditions have established evidence supporting the efficacy of HBOT in their treatment. However, HBOT also has non-medical indications, which involve off-label uses or alternative therapies that may not have robust scientific backing.
It is crucial for patients to seek professional medical help before considering HBOT to ensure appropriate evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance.
Qualified healthcare professionals can assess the patient’s specific condition, determine if HBOT is suitable, and provide proper supervision throughout the treatment.
Seeking medical expertise helps ensure the safety and efficacy of HBOT, as well as optimize patient outcomes.
