Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) for the Healing of Wounds
In nations like Australia where national policy does not fund treatment for chronic wounds, the cost of care falls on the individual. In contrast, it places a significant financial strain on the healthcare systems of the nations where government funding is provided. Furthermore, research indicates that those with chronic wounds experience a lower quality of life for a longer period of time. People who are afflicted have ongoing distress as a result of the protracted healing process and scar formation, which also affects their performance. The following wound types are included in the category of chronic wounds:
- Burns from heat
- Skin grafts and flaps
- inflammation of soft tissues
- diabetic injuries
- Radiation wounds
- Crush wounds
- Rheumatism
HB OT's mechanism of action
HBOT mainly has two effects on wound healing:
- Excess oxygen
- Reducing the size of the bubble
Increased partial pressure and raised plasma oxygen level are referred to as hyperoxygenation. Henry's law is being applied in this case. Crush injuries, flaps and grafts, compartment syndrome, and acute blood loss anemia can all be effectively treated with hyperoxygenation.
Boyle's law, which states that increased pressure causes a drop in bubble volume, supports the idea of smaller bubbles. For atrial gas embolism and decompression sickness, it is most effective.
Among the secondary wound-healing mechanisms are:
Angiogenesis: While anoxia promotes angiogenesis, the amount of oxygen our tissues receive determines neovascularization and the development of the capillary network. Increasing the oxygen gradient between blood plasma and hypoxic tissues with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in HBOT chambers promotes blood vessel development.
Vasoconstriction: Hyperoxia causes vasoconstriction in normal cells, which reduces the likelihood of post-traumatic edema. However, HBOT compensates for the effect by providing a high concentration of blood plasma oxygen, therefore it does not produce hypoxia.
Oxygen is essential for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues during the production of collagen. Collagen must mature and crosslink for wound healing to occur, and HBOT encourages these processes. The healing process of the wound is accelerated by mature collagen deposition.
Oxidative death of WBCs: Oxygen free radicals produced by HBOT oxidize proteins and membrane lipids, damage DNA, and obstruct bacterial metabolism. HBOT primarily functions against anaerobic bacteria lacking superoxide dismutase, and it also activates the oxygen-dependent peroxidase that WBCs use to destroy germs. Moreover, it sets off the scavengers of oxygen radicals, which eliminate the offending molecules and carry on the healing process.
Proliferation of fibroblasts: From the late inflammatory stage until the ultimate epithelization, fibroblasts are essential for tissue repair. In order to increase fibroblast proliferation and enhance cell migration for tissue regeneration, HBOT activates stem cells and upregulates repair factors.
Detoxification: The hypertoxic conditions brought on by HBOT prevent Clostridium from producing toxins and promote the passage of antibiotics over the bacterial cell membrane.
Boost immunity: The skin acts as a physical barrier to keep the outer environment out of the tissues that lie beneath it. The main cause of the development of chronic wounds is secondary infection. HBOT increases the amount of WBCs and stimulates the mobilization of stem cells and blood cell proliferation. The primary immune system cells in the body are WBCs. By strengthening immunity in this way, HBOT aids the body's defenses against microbial invasion at the site of injury.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Types
Depending on how many people can fit within, there are two different kinds of chambers.
Hyperbaric oxygen chambers in which a single person may only fit inside by sliding into the chamber are known as monoplane chambers. Within the chamber, the individual is exposed to a high concentration of compressed oxygen.
Multiplane hyperbaric chambers: These are hyperbaric chambers designed to accommodate multiple individuals. Inside, people can breathe in highly concentrated, compressed oxygen by donning masks. To further assist the users, the medical expert could also be present in the room.
How Long is Therapy?
Depending on the user’s medical history and the state of the wound, the therapy could take one to three hours each time. Similarly, the number of sessions is also determined by the injury's stage and rate of healing.
How Should the Hyperbaric Chamber be Chosen?
Selecting a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is crucial for anyone thinking about self-directed therapy without medical assistance. If you select therapeutic HBOT, however, everything is handled by medical professionals. Oxymel hyperbaric chambers are unique in their quality, simplicity of use, intuitive interface, 100% efficiency, and efficacy.
Safety Precautions
Trauma to the middle ears is the most frequent problem linked to HBOT. Therefore, unless directed by a physician, a patient who has recently had ear surgery, the flu, a cold, a fever, or sinus or lung issues should not take HBOT. Therapeutic HBOT should only be taken on a medical professional's advice.
Conclusion
FDA and UHMS have approved the effectiveness of HBOT for wound healing. In addition to supplying oxygen to the injured area, hyperoxygenation also encourages vascularization, lowers inflammation, gets rid of toxins, prevents subsequent infections because of its bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties, and grows angiogenesis. HBOT has been utilized to treat a variety of chronic wounds, including burns, ulcers, diabetic wounds, gangrene, and others, according to a number of clinical reports.
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