What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats chronic wounds and other medical conditions. Room air contains 21% oxygen, while hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides you with air that contains 100% oxygen. A pressurized chamber delivers oxygen that’s two to three times higher than normal air pressure, which helps your lungs gather and absorb more oxygen. Oxygen helps the tissues in your body heal and withstand infections.

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Healthcare providers use hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone or with other medical treatments, such as medications or surgery. Most people receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy on an outpatient basis for one to two hours each session. Depending on the type of treatment, you may sit or lie down during the procedure.

Other names for hyperbaric oxygen therapy include HBO therapy or HBOT.

For what is hyperbaric oxygen therapy used?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help treat the following:

Air or gas bubbles in your blood vessels (air or gas embolism).
The bends (decompression sickness).
Burns.
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gangrene caused by the bacteria Clostridium (gas gangrene).
Hearing loss.
Injuries that cut or break your skin (wounds).
Loss of vision.
Radiation injuries.
Severe anemia.
Severe bone and skin infections.
Skin grafts.
Trauma from force or pressure on a body part (crush injury).