Possible Applications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy-Narrative Review

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a method supporting the treatment of many diseases. Oxygen therapy treatments are conducted in hyperbaric chambers, in which patients breathe pure, 100% oxygen with higher than atmospheric pressure. This allows to increase the amount of oxygen supplied to all cells of the body many times over. The treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy enables the patient to recover faster and be fully active, and also reduces the costs of standard treatment. The aim of the study was to summarize the possible applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The available literature in the PUBMED database was reviewed in September 2022 with the use of the phrases ‘hyperbaric oxygen therapy’, ‘therapeutic applications’. The indications for therapy in a hyperbaric chamber are all kinds of diseases, both acute and chronic. The method supports the nourishment and regeneration of cells and tissues of the organism, and also slows down the aging process. However, due to the possible side effects of such therapy, patients should be qualified for its use after a careful analysis of their clinical condition and coexisting diseases. To sum up: hyperbaric oxygen therapy is most often used in the treatment of skin diseases and injuries, burns, and peripheral vascular diseases.