A hyperbaric chamber is a sealed, pressurized environment in which a person breathes 100% pure oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. The basic principle behind its functioning is to increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, which enhances the body’s ability to heal, fight infection, and support various biological functions.
Here’s how it works:
Increased Atmospheric Pressure: A hyperbaric chamber is pressurized to levels higher than normal atmospheric pressure (typically 1.5 to 3 times the normal pressure at sea level). The increased pressure allows the lungs to take in more oxygen than at normal atmospheric pressure.
Breathing 100% Oxygen: While inside the chamber, the person breathes in 100% oxygen, rather than the usual 21% found in the air we breathe. This enables more oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma, allowing oxygen to reach tissues and organs that might otherwise be deprived due to injury or disease.
Oxygen Transport: Under normal circumstances, oxygen is carried by red blood cells. However, when you breathe pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber, oxygen dissolves directly into the plasma (the liquid component of blood) and can be transported throughout the body, even to areas where blood flow is limited or blocked.
Enhanced Healing and Recovery: The increased oxygen supply helps promote the healing of tissues, reduce swelling, and fight infections. It also stimulates the production of collagen (important for tissue repair), increases the number of growth factors, and improves immune system function.
Common Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):
Wound Healing: Especially for chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or those from radiation therapy.
Decompression Sickness: A condition experienced by divers when they ascend too quickly.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: To help clear carbon monoxide from the body more quickly.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): To reduce inflammation and improve recovery after head injuries.
Burns and Frost Bite: For quicker recovery and reduction of tissue damage.
How the Session Works:
The person enters the chamber, which is either a small, hard shell or soft shell, single-person unit or a larger multi-person chamber.
The chamber is then sealed, and air pressure is increased gradually.
Once the desired pressure is reached, the person breathes in 100% oxygen for a specific amount of time (typically 60 to 90 minutes) .
After the session, the pressure is slowly reduced back to normal atmospheric levels.
Safety Considerations:
Pressure-related Issues: Barotrauma (injury caused by changes in pressure) can occur if the pressure changes too quickly, especially in the ears or sinuses.
Fire Risk: Since pure oxygen is used, there is an increased risk of fire, so safety protocols are crucial.
Medical Supervision: Sessions are typically monitored by trained professionals to ensure safe and effective treatment.
In short, a hyperbaric chamber uses high-pressure oxygen therapy to accelerate healing, improve oxygenation of tissues, and provide medical benefits for a range of conditions.