Hyperbaric chamber, what is it for?

Do you know the benefits of breathing pure oxygen at higher than normal blood pressure? A hyperbaric chamber is a medical device used to provide oxygen therapy or oxygen therapy.

With this special cabin, hyperoxygenation of all tissues is achieved, which promotes the activation of stem cells. Not only will this help you recover faster from injury, but it will also improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, among other benefits.

In addition, its use in cancer patients has recently been investigated. Dr. Ane Escribano, specialist in the hyperbaric chamber department of the Olympia Medical-Surgical Center, tells us that “In recent years, hyperbaric medicine has emerged as a new means of supporting radiation and chemotherapy.“.

In this article we will tell you all about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, how it is performed and when it is used.

Hyperbaric chamber and oxygen therapy, what is it?

This is a special device It is used to administer oxygen therapy, which involves inhaling this medicinal gas at higher than normal pressure.

During an oxygen therapy session a person is placed in a pressure chamber. After this, it is gradually filled with pure oxygen under high pressure, which can be three times higher than normal.

It should be noted that although the cabin is enclosed, there is room to move around and assume different positions during treatment. In any case, since oxygen has a relaxing effect, one usually falls asleep. Another feature of a hyperbaric chamber is that it provides a warm temperature as it rises by 2 to 3 degrees.

Why is oxygen therapy needed?

Increased oxygen content in tissues promotes stem cell activation, improves blood flow and reduces inflammationthereby achieving faster recovery from injuries.

For this reason it is well known use in professional athletes. However, It is also used to treat other diseases or conditions. How:

• Injuries soft tissue or trauma
• Burns
• severe wounds Treat
• Diabetic foot
• Ulcers Chronicles
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or strokes

The doctor adds that “hyperbaric medicine treats infections produced by anaerobic microorganisms such as gangrene, increases collagen production and improves fracture healing, skin texture or recovery from exhaustion“.

On the other hand, its use is being explored in the treatment of other pathologies such as fibromyalgia, headaches, facial palsy, chronic pain, hearing problems such as tinnitus or sudden deafness, degenerative disc disease or Covid side effects.

New use of hyperbaric chamber for cancer treatment

In recent years, it has begun to be used in the treatment of people with cancer because it provides improving quality of life. Very promising results are also observed during the recovery process.

In more detail, the doctor tells us that “lPatients note improved wound healing, reduced side effects and complications. Resulting from the use of radiation therapy and greater tolerance to treatment, they offer a more positive outlook in the fight against cancer.

Likewise, recent research suggests that oxygen therapy may improve immune system response as it reduces fatigue and optimizes conventional oncology treatment in selected patients.

Another aspect being studied is the antihypoxic effect of oxygen therapy on some tumors that are more resistant to radiation or chemotherapy. “It is being investigated whether administering hyperbaric oxygen concomitantly with radiation therapy or chemotherapy can increase tumor destruction. and therefore achieve greater healing in some tumors,” the doctor points out.

It should be added that the combination of oxygen therapy with traditional oncological treatment methods, both before and after them, can lead to very positive effects, as the doctor emphasizes: “It helps reverse vascular damage by promoting the formation of new vessels and capillaries, collagen and fibroblasts necessary for tissue repair and healing. “It stimulates bone metabolism, promoting osteogenesis and osteoblast formation.”

In any case, it is always advisable to consult in advance with specialists regarding its use, who will evaluate each case and recommend the most suitable treatment.