1. Hyperoxygenation by stimulating the antioxidant, which in turn rids the
Breathing 100% oxygen while under 2 – 3 affected area of the products of inflammation and free atmospheres of pressure delivers 20 times more radicals. oxygen to the tissues than if breathing room air 7. Antibiotic Synergy (21%) under normal living conditions. This provides HBOT creates synergy with the following antibiotics: immediate help to ischemic and compromised tissue fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and amphotericin even with marginal blood flow. B. These antibiotics use oxygen to transport across cell 2. Direct Pressure membranes. Oxygen under pressure shrinks the size of gas bubbles 8. Decreased Lactic Acid leading to reabsorbtion. This is the mechanism by HBOT decreases lactate accumulation on ischemic which HBOT treats arterial gas embolisms and nitrogen tissue, which greatly aids healing. in the tissues, caused by diving accidents. 9. Increased Destruction of Anaerobes 3. Bactericidal and Bacteriostatic HBOT is very effective against anaerobic bacteria Hyperoxygenation of the tissues enhances the killing of that thrives in tissue with not enough oxygen. HBOT bacteria and is critical in curing deep seated, resistant facilitates the oxygen-dependent peroxidase system by infections. which leukocytes kill bacteria (Gill and Bell ’97) 4. Vasoconstriction 10. Leukocyte Oxidative Killing HBOT vasoconstricts the small vessels in the body, In anaerobic environments (with limited oxygen), the especially in injured tissues. This decreases edema and killing capacity of certain white blood cells (leukocytes), is important in the treatment of burns, crush injuries is markedly reduced. By providing supplemental and injured tissues in general. oxygen, HBOT supercharges the destructive capacity of 5. Angiogenesis these white blood cells, thus allowing more bacteria to HBOT creates collateral blood flow, critical to injured be killed (Leach et. al., BMJ) tissues. Collateral blood vessels are produced by 11. Decrease in Inflammation increased fibroblasts leading to increased collagen. HBOT decreases inflammation by several mechanisms. Therefore, in creating new vascularization in ischemic, Cytokines and other inflammatory chemicals, including injured tissues, these new collateral blood vessels are lactic acid, are cleared with HBOT. Oxidative stress functional as opposed to the collateral blood vessels markers and C-reactive protein were reduced with from hypoxic tissue or ischemic tissue, which are non- HBOT. (Biomedcentral) HBOT stimulates the body’s functional. internal antioxidants to help clear inflammation. 6. Stimulates Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) 12. Increases Stem Cells Superoxide dismutase is one of the body’s main In response to HBOT, stem cells move out of the bone antioxidants and free radical scavengers. HBOT gives marrow to sites with inflammation at more than eight critically needed help to compromised, injured tissue times normal levels.