Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Melbourne specialists use pure oxygen to treat various medical conditions and chronic wounds. This treatment, also known as HBOT or HBO therapy, is based on research findings that show oxygen helps the immune system. This article aims to explore the truth and benefits of oxygen therapy.
Insights on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy experts deliver their treatment by placing patients in a pressurised chamber. They provide 100% oxygen into the chamber at a pressure at least twice higher than normal atmospheric pressure.
That combination of the oxygen’s pressure and concentration helps the lungs absorb more oxygen than during normal respiration. The blood transports that oxygen to the tissues that require healing and the rest of the body.
Hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the body tissues suppress some aspects of immune response. On the other hand, it can also accentuate or induce some crucial functions performed by immune cells. These two contradicting scenarios on benefit and risk of low oxygen raise confusion concerning the integrity of oxygen therapy.
Body tissues require optimum amounts of oxygen to heal, regenerate, and function. Injured and diseased tissues need more oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes gangrene, which delays wound healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy addresses that and eliminates infections in tissues affected by oxygen deficiency. This therapy has been in use since the 20th century with satisfactory results.
Oxygen therapy is found to be effective in the treatment of:
- Crush injuries
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Gas gangrene
- Compromised skin flaps and grafts
- Decompression sickness
- Actinomycosis
- Cyanide poisoning
- Necrotising soft tissue disease caused by flesh-eating infection
- Diabetic wounds
The extra oxygen boosts the white blood cells that fight and ward off pathogens. The therapy destroys toxins produced by some bacteria. It blocks the activities of pathogens in the body’s immune system. The beneficial element of this therapy triggers acute hyperoxia caused by the excess oxygen in the circulatory system and the rest of the body, which boosts immunity.
The therapy can help grow new skin, connective tissues, and blood vessels. It stimulates the formation of collagen and new skin cells, which heals wounds. This results from the accumulation and stimulation of endothelial cells that support wound and injury healing. These processes also reduce aging and inflammation.
Pathogens cause inflammation through viral and bacterial infections. The supply of supplementary oxygen boosts metabolic processes that provide energy to the body. This enhanced energy supply reduces oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level, which boosts healing and immunity.
The effect of oxygen therapy in immune support is controlling the spread of disease while helping the body develop natural defences against infections.
The therapy is also an option in cancer management and was instrumental in boosting immunity during COVID-19 treatment. It is noted for improving alopecia, stroke, HIV/AIDS, depression, and cerebral palsy. The non-invasive procedure generates stem cells, which help create other essential cells such as muscle cells, blood cells, and brain cells.
Some practitioners apply oxygen therapy alone, while others combine it with other treatments, including surgery and medication. It is often used on an outpatient basis, with sessions lasting an hour or two, depending on the type and procedure of the treatment.
It is a safe procedure when done by knowledgeable practitioners. However, people are now exploring the possibilities of using supplementary oxygen therapy at home. Still, HBO is not safe for treating some conditions. Therefore, anyone exploring it for wellness and recovery should consult a medical professional for advice.
Conclusion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been a successful, ground breaking treatment for a range of infections, autoimmune conditions, and injuries. Like any other treatment, it has contraindications and side effects in different users. Still, it is worth exploring for its wealth of immediate and long-term benefits.
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