The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Hospitals & Medical Clinics
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a well‑established medical treatment used in hospitals and specialised clinics around the world. By delivering 100% oxygen in a pressurised environment, HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, supporting healing, fighting infection, and improving recovery in a range of clinical conditions. Originally developed for decompression sickness, HBOT’s therapeutic applications in mainstream medicine have expanded significantly over the decades.
What Is HBOT and How It Works
HBOT involves placing a patient in a hyperbaric chamber — either a monoplace unit (for one person) or a multiplace chamber (for several people). Inside the chamber, atmospheric pressure is increased to 1.5–3 times normal air pressure, allowing the lungs to absorb much more oxygen than would otherwise be possible. This high concentration of oxygen dissolves into the bloodstream and reaches tissues that may be oxygen‑deprived due to injury or disease.
- Enhanced oxygenation of tissues that are poorly perfused due to trauma, infection, or vascular compromise.
- Reduction in inflammation and swelling, which supports faster wound closure and recovery.
- Improved immune function as white blood cells become more effective at fighting infection.
- Promotion of new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and collagen synthesis, aiding tissue regeneration.
Clinical Applications of HBOT in Medical Settings
1. Non‑Healing and Chronic Wounds
HBOT is widely used in hospitals to treat diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and surgical wounds that have failed to heal with standard care. Increasing oxygen levels in the wound supports collagen production and new capillary growth — essential steps in robust healing.
2. Acute and Life‑Threatening Conditions
Hospitals often employ HBOT for conditions such as:
- Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning — where rapid removal of the poison and restoration of oxygenation are critical.
- Decompression sickness (“the bends”) — traditionally associated with divers.
- Air or gas embolism — with immediate oxygenation helping to reduce bubble size in the bloodstream.
3. Severe Infections and Osteomyelitis
Certain infections thrive in low‑oxygen environments. HBOT boosts tissue oxygen levels, making conditions less hospitable to anaerobic bacteria and enhancing antibiotic efficacy. It also plays a role in chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis) by promoting immune response and angiogenesis.
4. Radiation Injury and Necrotising Infections
Tissue damaged by radiation therapy — especially after cancer treatment — can benefit from HBOT through enhanced blood flow and reduced fibrosis. Studies also support its adjunctive use in severe infections like necrotising fasciitis as part of comprehensive care.
Safety, Contraindications & Patient Screening
HBOT is generally safe when administered by trained professionals in accredited medical facilities, but it is not suitable for everyone. Some risks and considerations include:
- Barotrauma to ears or sinuses due to pressure changes.
- Claustrophobia or mild discomfort during treatment.
- Potential oxygen toxicity if protocols are not followed.
Certain patients — such as those with untreated pneumothorax or specific lung diseases — require careful evaluation before HBOT. Comprehensive medical screening ensures the risks are minimised and the therapy is optimised for each individual.
Integration into Hospital & Clinic Practices
In modern hospitals and specialist clinics, HBOT is often integrated into multidisciplinary treatment plans. It may be used alongside surgery, antibiotics, wound care, and rehabilitation services to maximise patient outcomes.
Providers also customise treatment courses — adjusting pressure, session length, and frequency — based on the clinical indication and patient response. This personalised approach helps deliver the best possible results.