HBOT helps would healing by bringing oxygen-rich plasma to tissue starved for oxygen. Wound injuries damage the body’s blood vessels, which release fluid that leaks into the tissues and causes swelling. This swelling deprives the damaged cells of oxygen, and tissue starts to die. HBOT reduces swelling while flooding the tissues with oxygen. HBOT aims to break the cycle of swelling, oxygen starvation, and tissue death

HBOT prevents “reperfusion injury.” This is the severe tissue damage that happens when the blood supply returns to the tissues after they have been deprived of oxygen. This is when the damage cells release free radicals. Free radicals damage the tissues that can’t be reversed. They cause the blood vessels to clamp up and stop blood flow HBOT encourages the body’s oxygen radical scavengers to seek out the problem molecules and let healing continue.

HBOT helps block the action of harmful bacteria and strengthens the body’s immune system. HBOT can disable the toxins of certain bacteria. It also increases oxygen concentration in the tissues. This helps them resist infection. In addition, the therapy improves the ability of white blood cells to find and destroy invaders. 

HBOT encourages the formation of new collagen and new skin cells. It does so by encouraging new blood vessel to grow. It also stimulates cells to produce certain substances, like vascular endothelial growth factor. These attract and stimulate endothelial cells needed for healing.

***Precautions: It shouldn’t be used by people who have had a recent ear surgery or injury, a cold or fever, or certain types of lung disease.  The most common complication after HBOT is trauma to the middle ear.  Other possible complications are eye damage, lung collapse, low blood sugar, and sinus problems.