Barotherapy

Barotherapy, also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The chamber, known as a hyperbaric chamber, can be a large room or a small, clear tube. In this environment, the air pressure is increased to two to three times higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This allows the lungs to collect more oxygen than they would under normal circumstances. This extra oxygen is then transported throughout the body via the bloodstream, helping to fight infection and promote healing.

HBOT is used to treat a variety of conditions, including decompression sickness (also known as the bends), carbon monoxide poisoning, and serious infections. It is also employed for certain non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, and to aid recovery from radiation injury. The increased oxygen levels are believed to help reduce swelling, destroy harmful bacteria, and stimulate the release of growth factors and stem cells, which in turn promote healing.

The treatment typically consists of several sessions, with each session lasting about 90 minutes to two hours. During a session, patients lie in the chamber while the pressure is gradually increased and then decreased. They may experience a feeling of fullness in their ears, similar to what happens on an airplane. While generally considered safe, potential side effects can include temporary changes in vision, ear or sinus pain, and in rare cases, lung collapse or seizures. The specific protocols and duration of treatment vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient's response.