Top Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Uses for Health and Wellness

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is gaining significant attention for its wide range of medical applications. By exposing the body to 100% oxygen in a pressurised environment, HBOT enhances the body’s natural healing process. But what are the hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses, and how can this treatment benefit you? Let’s dive into the science, medical applications, and emerging uses of HBOT.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Used to Treat?

The primary hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses are rooted in its ability to improve oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, enhancing cellular repair. HBOT is most commonly used for:

• Wound Healing

Diabetic foot ulcers, burns, and other non-healing wounds greatly benefit from increased oxygen supply, promoting faster recovery.

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the well-established medical uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, HBOT helps displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, allowing oxygen to bind and restore normal levels.

• Decompression Sickness

Scuba divers suffering from “the bends” can be treated with HBOT to reduce nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.

These examples represent just a few of the standard conditions that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used for. With a growing list of approved and experimental applications, this therapy continues to be a game-changer in modern medicine.

Off-Label and Experimental Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

While HBOT has several well-known applications, some off-label and experimental uses are also showing promising results. Emerging uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Preliminary studies suggest that HBOT may help improve symptoms related to ASD, although more research is needed.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Research is ongoing to determine whether HBOT can aid in the recovery of patients with TBI by reducing brain inflammation and improving cognitive function.

While these applications aren’t yet approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA, they highlight the growing interest in the emerging uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for conditions outside the typical scope.

How to Determine if HBOT Is Right for You

Are you wondering how to determine if HBOT is right for you? Before starting treatment, it’s crucial to review your medical history and consult with a professional. At AEON’s Longevity Wellness Clinic, our expert doctors perform comprehensive assessments to create personalized HBOT treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs.

Some key factors to consider include:

• The condition being treated

Is it an FDA-approved use, or are you considering an experimental application?

• Overall health

Underlying conditions such as lung disease or ear problems may affect eligibility.

• Frequency and cost

Determining how often you should do hyperbaric oxygen therapy and whether it fits within your healthcare budget is crucial. (For more information, check the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.)

Medical Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Many wonder, what is hyperbaric oxygen therapy used to treat in conventional medicine? Here are some of the FDA-approved uses:

• Radiation Injuries

HBOT is used to treat late effects of radiation therapy, such as soft tissue necrosis.

• Crush Injuries

Severe trauma that results in tissue damage can benefit from the enhanced oxygenation provided by HBOT.

• Chronic Infections

Certain chronic infections, such as osteomyelitis, respond well to the antimicrobial effects of high-pressure oxygen.

These medical uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy highlight how versatile and valuable this treatment can be in addressing a wide array of health conditions.

Who Cannot Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Despite its wide range of applications, HBOT is not suitable for everyone. Who cannot use hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Here are some conditions that may prevent a person from undergoing this treatment:

• Lung Disease

People with untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) should not undergo HBOT due to the risk of lung barotrauma.

• Ear Surgery or Issues

Conditions affecting the eustachian tube can complicate the equalization of pressure during HBOT.

• Certain Medications

Some medications, such as certain cancer drugs, may interact with hyperbaric oxygen and affect treatment outcomes.

• History of seizures/convulsions 

The history of seizures and epilepsy may be traced back to prehistoric times, potentially as far back as the late Paleolithic period. Early beliefs about the causes of seizures were closely linked to the religious and medical views of the time, gradually evolving to more scientific understandings.

• EAR, SINUS, THROAT CONGESTION, HEAD COLDS, VIRUS OR PRIOR TRAUMA TO THE EARS

It is recommended that you reschedule your session if you are experiencing any of these conditions; you might experience discomfort due to these conditions during the session.

It’s always best to consult with a medical professional to ensure that HBOT is safe for your particular condition.

How Often Should You Do Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

The frequency of sessions depends on the condition being treated. So, how often should you do hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Typically, treatment plans range from 10 to 40 sessions, with each session lasting between 45 to 90 minutes. In more severe cases, such as radiation injuries or chronic infections, additional sessions may be necessary. At AEON’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Dubai, personalised treatment plans are crafted to suit each patient’s specific health needs.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Used For Beyond Medicine?

Beyond FDA-approved uses, many are exploring what is hyperbaric oxygen treatment used for in the wellness and anti-aging sectors. People are now turning to HBOT for its potential to:

• Enhance Athletic Performance

Athletes use HBOT to accelerate recovery after intense physical activity and injuries.

• Improve Cognitive Function

Some studies suggest that HBOT can increase brain plasticity and may improve cognitive performance in healthy individuals.

As the research grows, so do the potential hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses in non-medical fields.

Emerging Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

While most hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses focus on immediate medical needs, emerging applications could make this treatment even more popular in the coming years. Some of the exciting new areas include:

• Anti-Aging Therapy

Some evidence suggests that HBOT may slow the aging process at the cellular level, making it a promising therapy for longevity.

• Improving Quality of Life

Patients suffering from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and even post-COVID syndrome are looking at HBOT to help improve their symptoms.

In clinics such as The Aeon Clinic, HBOT is increasingly seen as part of an integrated approach to wellness, combining it with other advanced treatments like stem cell therapy.

In summary, hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses range from traditional medical treatments to innovative off-label applications. Whether you’re treating a specific health condition or exploring its potential for wellness and longevity, HBOT offers numerous benefits. Always consult a specialist to determine if HBOT is right for you, and remember to consider the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how it fits into your overall health goals.