How does it work?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) is a medical treatment that enhances the
body’s natural healing process by providing patients 100 percent
oxygen for breathing in a transparent body chamber. Pressure in the hyperbaric
chamber is increased and controlled to help improve oxygen delivery to
all tissues in the body. This also helps to reduce swelling, fight infection,
build new blood vessels and, ultimately, produce healthy tissue. HBO is
for patients with chronic, non-healing wounds who have tried other forms
of wound care treatment. HBO is also a treatment option for delayed radiation injuries.
Treating Radiation Injury with HBO
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a treatment option for patients with injuries
or conditions following radiation therapy. Although radiation therapy
has improved tremendously, tissue surrounding the area that had radiation
treatment may be impacted, which can cause new symptoms. It is important
to note that radiation injuries are not usually identified by the radiation
oncologist because the injury may occur months, sometimes even years after
radiation therapy. HBO provides a safe and effective healing option for
damaged tissue caused by radiation therapy.