What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment which significantly increases the amount of oxygen available to the body’s tissues, thereby creating an environment that is more conducive to healing certain conditions.

It also affects other systems in our body that may provide additional benefits in certain specific conditions.

This is done by placing the patient in a chamber where atmospheric pressure can be increased and controlled. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides this extra oxygen naturally and with minimal side effects.

Worldwide, it is used for a wide variety of treatments.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prescribed by a physician and performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks like all medical treatments, overall hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe.

What conditions can HBOT treat?

In the UK the following indications are currently funding by the NHS for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT):

  • Decompression Illness
  • Arterial Gas Embolism
  • Air or Gas Embolism
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  • Gas Gangrene
  • Compartment Syndrome
  • Crush Injury
  • Other Traumatic Ischaemias
  • Decompression Sickness (Bends)
  • Arterial Insufficiencies
  • Severe Anaemia
  • Intracranial Abscess
  • Necrotising Soft Tissue Infection
  • Osteomyelitis (Refractory)
  • Delayed Radiation Injury (Soft Tissue and Bony Necrosis)
  • Compromised Grafts and Flaps
  • Acute Thermal Burn Injury
  • Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Membership of the BHA is open to hyperbaric facilities in the British Isles run by organisations that accept and treat emergency referrals for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.