Oxygen hyperbaric chamber - what is this therapeutic method? Indications for use

The word "pressure chamber" sounds somehow frightening. What this device is and what it is intended for, few know. In fact, there is nothing terrible in this word. This medical equipment for hyperbaric oxygenation is a small hermetically sealed space in which pressure is created below or above atmospheric pressure. In appearance, the pressure chamber reminds us of a bathyscaphe with portholes, windows, but only it is not in the sea abyss, but in a bright sterile room. For the first time barotherapy was used in 1955.

Principle of operation of HBO

A pressure chamber - what is it? This is a unique opportunity to apply the latest scientific developments for treatment. The very principle of its operation is due to the laws of physics, which are regulated by the dissolution of gases in the interstitial fluid. Everyone knows that a person without food and water can survive for not more than a month, but oxygen starvation in a few minutes leads to a fatal outcome.

Absolutely with all pathological processes, when oxygen delivery to tissues is disrupted, hypoxia develops. Such vital organs as the brain, heart, kidneys and liver, can not function normally. The causes of hypoxia may be different: decreased hemoglobin, poor blood flow, heart failure, respiratory system diseases.

To resolve these conditions, specialists developed oxygen therapy. It uses special equipment - a pressure chamber. Treatment under pressure can increase the body's resistance to unfavorable factors. It is proved that even pure atmospheric air can not eliminate hypoxia at the cell level.

Under pressure, oxygen dissolves more rapidly in interstitial fluid and blood plasma, thereby delivering the necessary amount of nitrogen to the organs. As a result, the affected area restores its functions. The conditions created in the medical chamber are equivalent to immersing five meters under the water. During the session, the patient can lay his ears, but on this and exhaust all the unpleasant sensations.

Benefits of Barotherapy

The method has a wide range of positive effects. Barotherapy has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous action, accelerates the formation of bone callus, normalizes the production of collagen. So, to the question: "A pressure chamber - what is this?" Can be answered in the following way: it is a modern technical device that is used for medical and preventive purposes, restores blood flow, promotes the growth of capillaries and prevents the development of osteoporosis, which is clinically proven.

Hyperbaric oxygenation allows you to minimize medication, reduce the duration of recovery, help patients cope with severe chronic pathologies and significantly strengthen the immune system. It is also actively used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Successful results of HBO are shown in narcology (abstinence syndrome), surgery, cosmetology, pediatric pediatrics and veterinary medicine.

Where is the method used?

Hyperbaric oxygenation is included in the complex of recreational activities in many sanatoriums and dispensaries. The procedures significantly reduce the risk of the emergence of dangerous diseases, have a restorative and tonic effect, relieve irritability, pathological fatigue and increase muscle tone. After a full course of therapy, patients note an improvement in their psychoemotional state and an increase in work capacity.

Physiotherapy is used in sports medicine to accelerate the recovery period after injuries and physical exertion. The number and time of the session is calculated individually. On average, the duration of therapy is from 5 to 12 sessions. The residence time in an oxygen room is about an hour. Usually the pressure chamber is well tolerated.

Indications for hyperbaric oxygenation

In addition to problems with the heart, blood vessels and circulation, the method is used to treat virtually all chronic ailments. Oxygen therapy is used to control diabetes mellitus, periodontal disease, scleroderma, furunculosis, obliterating endoarteritis, cirrhosis, psoriasis and peptic ulcer.

The method is irreplaceable for hepatitis (any form), pancreatitis, hearing loss, mental illness, enterocolitis, multiple sclerosis, impaired cerebral circulation and obesity. In addition, it is used to treat intoxication with any poisonous products, gas gangrene, frostbite, air embolism. Also relieves various wounds and traumatic ischemia pressure chamber.

Contraindications

Unfortunately, HBO, like any other therapeutic procedure, is not a panacea. Experts do not recommend it for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, polyps, acute colds, cysts, abscesses and fear of confinement (claustrophobia), as well as blood diseases and fever. In all other cases, the oxygen pressure chamber shows excellent results. What kind of vessel is it and what is it for? It was described above. Health and prosperity!