hyperbaric oxygen treatment
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is a method of speeding the healing of wounds and treatment of other conditions by enclosing the patient in a high-pressure, pure oxygen environment. It can be done either in a room in which the air pressure is raised while the patient wears an oxygen mask, or in a specialized chamber filled with pressurized oxygen.
It is particularly useful for diabetics who have suffered wounds to their feet or lower legs, since blood flow and therefore oxygen supply to these areas is poor or otherwise compromised. It is believed to help healing by increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and other bodily fluids and tissues, which accelerates various metabolic processes involved in the process of healing.
It has been in use since 1943, and is now also used for treatment of divers suffering from the bends, fighting some kinds of infections and a number of other medical conditions.
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