Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, has many wonderful effects. Patients worldwide are accessing the benefits of this treatment for its anti-aging effects, cardiovascular benefits, and even benefits to the brain. What about immune function? Is it possible that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has benefits regarding immune health?
What is HBOT and How Does it Work?
HBOT, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is a treatment during which patients relax in a chamber where they breathe 100% oxygen under increased pressure. The chamber is pressurized with 100% oxygen. For the first and last 5-7 minutes, individuals will feel the need to pop their ears to equalize the change in pressure (like landing in an airplane), but otherwise, the rest of the treatment they won’t feel anything unusual. The relax and nap or watch TV through the large, clear acrylic, FDA approved chamber. Treatments are generally administered daily but can be taken monthly, or weekly as well. The health benefits of HBOT are numerous.
Immune Health Support with HBOT
Numerous studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly benefits the immune system. How does it work?
- Increased Oxygen Consumption
HBOT increases the oxygen in the body by up to 15 times and is carried to all the cells by the red blood cells AND the plasma. When oxygen increases in blood plasma, the delivery of oxygen to tissues in the body is heightened. These higher oxygen levels strengthen the function of immune cells. - Immune Cell Function
Studies have shown that receiving more oxygen stimulates and strengthens immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Neutrophils destroy invasive pathogens through a series of oxidative bursts. This means that oxygen in the blood actually kills infection in the body. - Anaerobic Bacteria
More oxygen in the body through HBOT means the destruction of anaerobic bacteria (organisms that thrive in an oxygen-free environment) in a hyper-oxidated environment. - Anti-inflammatory Effects
HBOT is used widely for its anti-inflammatory properties. The treatment upregulates anti-inflammatory cytokines and downregulates inflammatory cytokines. - Stem Cell Growth
An increase of oxygen in the body releases eight times more cells from bone marrow. This can assist in tissue regeneration and decrease recovery time from injury or illness. - Increased Response to Infection
HBOT boosts the body’s ability to fight infections. It can be effective in treating stubborn infections and may also be used in conjunction with antibiotics to make them work more effectively.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Immune Enhancement
Some applications for this treatment include:
- Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Some wounds can be stubborn and either slow to heal or chronic in recurrence. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be effective in treating cases such as these. In fact, a recent study of patients with diabetes-related foot ulcers showed that the number of immune cells circulating in the blood and at the site of the wound increased and vastly improved the rate of wound healing. - Treatment of Infections of the Bone
Bone infections can be challenging to treat. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) stimulates cell production in the bone marrow, enhancing tissue regeneration and accelerating the healing process. - Damaged Tissue from Radiation Treatment
Oncological patients are finding relief in the healing from radiation treatment through HBOT. - Autoimmune Conditions
As HBOT reduces inflammation in the body, it also mitigates an overactive immune response and normalizes this condition.
Baromedical Associates
When you are ready to accelerate healing and optimize health in your body in the most nurturing environment possible, it may be time to contact Baromedical Associates. As the industry-leading clinicians in our field, we are happy to provide the healing touch you need in oxygen therapy. Fully equipped to treat children, we can allow a parent to join the child in the hyperbaric chamber, providing care and comfort for the child while meeting all safety standards. Adults will find themselves in an environment that promotes optimal health and immune function. For more information, visit our website or make an appointment today.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8843016/
https://hyperbaricoxygeninstitute.com/how-does-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-boost-your-immune-system/
