Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is a medical treatment that is sometimes used as a primary treatment for certain conditions but is most often used in combination with surgery, antibiotics and other medical care. We care for non-emergent adult patients having conditions that are likely to benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
A physician referral is required.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) treatments are provided to patients in pressurized chambers designed specifically for this purpose. During HBO treatment, a patient breathes 100 percent oxygen at a pressure higher than sea level for designated intervals of time.
An adequate amount of oxygen is necessary to keep all body tissues healthy. Oxygen is delivered to body tissues by the blood. Injured or damaged body tissues often require more oxygen than normal in order to heal. HBO therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. This increases the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the injured or damaged tissues thereby increasing the body’s ability to heal.
There are specific medical conditions for which HBO is used for treatment. Some of the more commonly known conditions that HBO may be used to treat include:
- Chronic infections of the bone and other infections that have not responded to conventional treatment
- Injuries to tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, bladder and skin related to radiation therapy
- Compromised skin grafts or flaps
- Diabetic foot ulcers
Conditions or problems as associated with radiation therapy may occur as long as several months or several years after treatment is complete. Symptoms of these conditions may include:
- Problems with the bowel or bladder
- Jawbone pain or ulceration
- Low healing wounds, particularly on the chest and neck
- Gynecologic problems and/or pain
- Chronic bone infections that have not resolved with traditional treatment
If you have a condition or problem that you think may be related to radiation or chemotherapy, talk with your doctor. You may be a candidate for referral to HBO.
It is important to understand these are only a few of the conditions that may be treated with HBO. There are several other conditions for which HBO is useful in treating. Please discuss your condition with your doctor to determine if you may benefit from treatment with HBO.
The standards of care for hyperbaric medicine are set by the nationally recognized Undersea Hyperbaric & Medical Society. These standards of care are the basis for the treatment protocols utilized by LVHN facilities for your care and treatment.
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