FDA approved uses for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

by the WoundSource Editors

HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) has now been used for many years. Over the years we have seen HBOT used in treatment of many conditions such as various immune disorders, Lyme Disease, Autism, Stroke, Cancer, and the list goes on and on.

Why use HBOT?

Through intermittent treatments of 100% oxygen applied to the whole body at an above normal atmospheric pressure, HBOT increases the amount of oxygen intake into cells throughout your body. HBOT aids in circulation (by increasing the diameter of blood vessels), assists in cleansing the body of toxins, rejuvenates skin cells, enhances white blood cell action, as well as increasing energy and endurance.

What uses of HBOT are approved by the FDA?

While there are many unapproved uses for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, there are currently 13 conditions that the FDA has approved treatment of through the use of HBOT. Here is the approved list:

• Air or gas embolism
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Clostridal myositis and myonecrosis (gas gangrene)
• Crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias
• Decompression sickness
• Enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds such as:
  (Diabetically derived illness, such as diabetic foot, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy)
• Exceptional blood loss (anemia)
• Intracranial abscess
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections (necrotizing fasciitis)
• Osteomyelitis (refractory)
• Delayed radiation injury (soft tissue and bony necrosis)
• Skin grafts and flaps (compromised)
• Thermal burns

Source
Gesell, Laurie B. (Chair and editor) (2008). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications. The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Committee Report (12 ed.). Durham, NC: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. ISBN 0930406230.