If you have a chronic wound that’s not healing properly or is healing slowly, you might benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This treatment involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber, where the air pressure is two to three times higher than normal. Your lungs take in the extra oxygen, which is then carried through your blood vessels, promoting healing and reducing the risk of infection, particularly for people with diabetes who may experience poor circulation.
While HBOT might seem like a modern approach, it’s actually a long-standing therapy. Darcie Groeper, DO, a hyperbaric medicine specialist at Banner Health in Arizona, explained that research on the treatment dates back to the 1800s. In the 1940s, HBOT was used to treat deep-sea divers suffering from decompression illness, and by the 1960s, it was employed to help people recover from carbon monoxide poisoning. Today, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is widely used to treat a variety of conditions. Dr. Groeper shared her insights into the benefits of this treatment.
How is hyperbaric oxygen therapy used?
Doctors commonly use hyperbaric oxygen therapy in wound care clinics to speed up healing by increasing oxygen levels and enhancing blood circulation. Injured tissue often needs extra oxygen to repair itself. “By manipulating oxygen and pressure, we create changes in the body,” Dr. Groeper said. These changes stimulate the release of growth factors and stem cells, which support the body’s natural healing processes.
What conditions can HBOT treat?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is particularly effective in treating:
- Diabetic foot ulcers that that don’t respond to standard treatment. People with diabetes are at higher risk for these chronic wounds due to poor circulation and foot deformities.
- Chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis).
- Radiation injuries that result from cancer treatments.
- Failed skin grafts or flaps.
In addition to wound healing, HBOT is also used to treat:
- Cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Decompression sickness in scuba divers.
- Crush injuries and traumatic incidents that reduce blood flow in the arteries.
What is the treatment process like?
“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a very comfortable process,” Dr. Groeper said. During treatment, you wear a hospital gown and lie in a large, transparent hyperbaric chamber. Each session typically lasts about two hours. Since electronics like cell phones aren’t allowed in the chamber, many people nap or watch TV while receiving their treatment.
You might feel some pressure in your ears, similar to what you experience during changes in altitude or when flying. Yawning or swallowing usually helps relieve this pressure.
After the session, the medical team will check your vital signs, including your pulse, blood pressure and, if necessary, your glucose level—especially important for people with diabetes. Once cleared, you can get dressed and resume your normal activities.
How many treatments are typically needed?
Since the benefits of HBOT build over time, you’ll need a series of treatments. For wound healing, most people undergo around 40 treatments over the course of two months.
The number of sessions can vary depending on your specific condition and how well you respond to the therapy.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy right for you?
A physician will evaluate your condition and determine whether you meet the classification system criteria for HBOT. They’ll ensure there’s no reason the treatment isn’t a good option for you. When you visit the clinic, the staff will walk you through the process and give you a tour of the hyperbaric chambers to help you feel more comfortable.
Are there any risks?
While hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of. “A collapsed lung is the only absolute risk,” Dr. Groeper said. However, side effects like eardrum, sinus or vision issues may occur but are usually manageable. Oxygen toxicity, a rare condition caused by excessive oxygen levels, can be avoided with careful monitoring.
The bottom line
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a well-established treatment for chronic wounds, decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and other conditions. By breathing pure, pressurized oxygen, the therapy stimulates healing in areas with poor circulation, particularly benefiting people with diabetes. To learn if this treatment is right for you, connect with a health care provider at Banner Health.
Other useful articles
- Diabetes Wound Care: Tips for Healing and Prevention
- From Eyes to Toes, 8 Ways Diabetes Can Harm Your Health
- 5 Warnings for “Carbon Monoxide Season"
Content in this article was updated on October 18, 2024.
