Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) is a method of treatment with oxygen under increased pressure in a medical barochamber. By increasing the pressure of oxygen in the inhaled air, not only red blood cells, but also blood plasma and interstitial fluid are saturated with oxygen, which, in turn, eliminates the phenomena of oxygen starvation in damaged organs and tissues.

Hyperbaric oxygenation action mechanism

The essence of hyperbaric oxygenation is to increase the oxygen content of the blood. What is it? Oxygen transport from the lungs to the tissues is carried out in two ways: with the help of haemoglobin of red blood cells and directly by plasma. At atmospheric pressure, oxygen is transported mainly in a bundle with haemoglobin, and the transport capacity of plasma is low. The method of hyperbaric oxygenation helps to significantly increase this index.

Hyperoxygenation increases tissue respiration and energy processes, which results in improved reparation of tissues. By increasing the amount of active oxygen radicals, disinfection is stimulated and phagocytosis is activated. Due to these processes oxygenobarotherapy slows down the growth and multiplication of microorganisms in various infections. In particular, hyperbaric oxygenation affects Escherichia coli. The technique of oxygenation in “soft” modes developed during the pandemic showed its safety and positive effect in patients with COVID-19. When included in the complex therapy, positive dynamics of blood oxygen saturation and general improvement of well-being were observed.

Indications and counterindications for the procedure

Oxygen barotherapy was developed as a treatment for decompression sickness, which occurs during ascent from depth and sudden changes in ambient pressure. However, the list of indications is much longer:

Oxygen barotherapy has a number of limitations.

The method is not recommended in the following pathologies and conditions:

How hyperbaric oxygenation is performed

The procedure of high-pressure oxygen therapy is performed in a barochamber - a special capsule providing hermetic sealing and high pressure. The hyperbaric oxygenation unit is equipped with single-bed chambers. Different modes are used during the procedure: for therapeutic purposes, the pressure can be increased by 6 bars above the atmospheric pressure. However, a “soft” mode with a slight increase in partial pressure is more often used.

The patient in the capsule is under constant supervision of a medical professional. Interaction is possible thanks to the two-way telephone communication implemented in the barochambers. The duration of the course of therapy and of each individual session is selected individually. Most often the course of treatment includes 8-12 procedures, with an average session duration of 40-60 minutes.

Barotherapy results

Hyperbaric oxygenation has a positive effect on well-being, helps normalize intestinal motility, stimulates bile flow, activates detoxification processes, and improves haemodynamic parameters. Hyperoxia improves metabolism and functional capacity of many organs and systems, positively affects the state of blood cells. Oxygen barotherapy mobilizes immunoregulatory, regenerative and adaptive systems of the organism.

Side effects are extremely rare. Usually problems are associated with increased individual sensitivity or the presence of unrecorded counterindications. Pathophysiological analysis of complications of hyperbaric oxygenation has shown that reactions occur in response to hyperoxia. Increased oxygen concentration can have a toxic effect, besides hyperoxygenation is a stress factor for the organism. In most cases, a mild therapy mode with minimal risk of adverse reactions is suitable for patients.

It is absolutely necessary to consult a specialist before the procedure.

Our medical specialists will advise on how to organize the procedure correctly, prescribe a course and determine its duration.