OXYGEN, The Basis of
Life
Human beings can survive without food for weeks, and without water for
days - but only minutes without oxygen. Oxygen is the basis of life.
Used appropriately, it can mean the difference between life and death,
coma and mental alertness, paralysis and movement, illness and health.
It has long been understood that healing cannot be achieved without
sufficient oxygen levels in the tissues, where most illnesses and injuries
occur and often linger. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can provide this
oxygen, naturally and virtually risk free.
"The positive powers of hyperbaric oxygen are really a modification of
God's gift to man." - Dr. Richard A. Neubauer, M.D., Medical
Director, Ocean Hyperbaric Neurologic Center
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Please note that Ocean Hyperbaric Neurologic Center specializes in neurological conditions.
This list describes the general indications that HBOT is most commonly used for:
Difficult Wounds
The healing of difficult wounds is a major concern in medicine today, both
for the debilitating effect they have on the patient, and the expense of
traditional treatment.
Difficult wounds including decubiti (bed sores), leg ulcers, skin grafts,
crush injuries, infected bones, and osteoradionecrosis can
develop into chronic conditions requiring costly hospitalization and
extensive nursing care, when treated only with conventional medical
procedures. These disabling conditions often show remarkable improvement
with HBOT.
Burns and Skin Grafts
HBOT can promote wound healing in burn victims by: (a) stimulating collagen
production, (b) hastening the elimination of dead tissue, and (c)
accelerating the development of new blood vessels (revascularization). When
administered in time, HBOT can also save skin grafts due to burns, accidents
or surgical procedures that are not taking, by enhancing blood vessel
growth
to the area. If a large surface of skin needs to be replaced, HBO in advance
of the surgery can stimulate a rich vascular bed for the graft.
Infections, Ulcers and Decubiti (Bed Sores)
- Infections: HBOT augments the body's defense mechanisms to help heal very
serious infections that have failed to respond to antibiotics. It is widely
recommended for emergency use in treating gangrene infections, to accelerate
healing, neutralize lethal toxins, and has helped save many lives.
- Ulcers: Chronic ulcers may result from a lack of blood supply to an
extremity due to diabetes, arteriosclerosis and vascular diseases.
Unfortunately, conventional medical practice may recommend amputation in
cases where HBOT could preserve the limb. With revascularization and
increased oxygen, the entire extremity or a greater part of it has often
been saved. Venous stasis ulcers caused by lack of blood return from the
extremity can also respond favorable to HBOT, even though they may have
persisted for decades despite surgical intervention.
- Decubiti: Decubiti, or bed sores, are a major problem in senior or
bedridden patients, which can lead to bone erosion. HBOT helps to relieve
decubiti and minimize hospitalization.
Sports Injuries
As many of us know, even the most casual of athletes and sports enthusiasts
can experience injuries. Via HBOT, additional oxygen reaches damaged bone
tissue, and helps to speed the body's own, natural healing process, thereby
reducing recovery times for various soft-tissue injuries and bone fractures.
The effectiveness of HBOT in this area has been well documented; in fact, at
least twelve professional NBA, NHL, and NFL teams (including the New York
Giants and the Dallas Cowboys) currently own or lease HBOT chambers for
treating their players.
HOW IS HBOT ADMINISTERED?
A patient undergoing HBOT spends a prescribed amount of time in one of
several types of enclosed delivery units: (1) Monoplace, which are
cylindrical, body-length chambers, or (2) Multi-Person Chambers, which can
accommodate up to 36 adults. In each type of unit, pure oxygen is
administered while atmospheric pressure is increased, and controlled under
closely monitored conditions.
HBOT dosage, which is prescribed by the attending physician for each
patient's particular needs, consists of the following measures: (1) Pressure
(one to three atmospheres absolute), (2) Duration of each treatment (60-120
minutes), and (3) Frequency of treatments.
Oxygen inhalation treatments are non-invasive and painless, and side effects
are rare and minimal. Fewer than 5% report slight discomfort from ear
pressure, similar to that experienced during air travel. During treatment,
the patient can rest comfortably, listen to music, or watch television.
There is no recovery period with HBOT, so patients can resume their daily
activities almost immediately. As overnight stays are not required, all
treatment is on an outpatient basis.
