INFECTIONS & HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps fight infections by increasing oxygen levels in the blood and tissues, enhancing the body's natural defenses, and potentially inhibiting bacterial growth.
INFECTIONS & HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps fight infections by increasing oxygen levels in the blood and tissues, enhancing the body's natural defenses, and potentially inhibiting bacterial growth.
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.
HOW HBOT CAN HELP
Increased Oxygen Delivery:
HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which allows the blood to carry significantly more oxygen than usual.
Enhanced Immune Function:
The increased oxygen levels can boost the activity of white blood cells (like neutrophils), which are crucial for fighting infections.
Bactericidal and Bacteriostatic Effects:
HBOT can directly kill or inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, particularly anaerobic bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments.
Improved Tissue Healing:
By delivering more oxygen to tissues, HBOT can promote healing and regeneration, which is important for combating infections and repairing damaged tissue.
Synergistic Effects with Antibiotics:
HBOT can enhance the effectiveness of certain antibiotics, making them more potent in fighting infections.
Specific Conditions:
HBOT is used as a primary or adjunctive treatment for infections like gas gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis, diabetic foot infections, refractory osteomyelitis, and neurosurgical infections.
Mechanism of Action:
-
Increased Oxygen Tension: HBOT significantly increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood and tissues, which can be crucial for fighting infections and promoting healing.
-
Enhanced Neutrophil Activity: HBOT can enhance the ability of neutrophils to kill bacteria.
-
Inhibition of Bacterial Growth: HBOT can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, particularly anaerobic bacteria.
-
Improved Tissue Perfusion: HBOT can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, which is important for healing and fighting infection.
-
Angiogenesis: HBOT can promote the formation.