About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Burns
Burns, whether caused by chemicals, electricity, or fire, can be a serious medical condition. They can also be among the most painful of injuries and among the most difficult to treat. Over 80,000 people each year require medical treatment for burns. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) helps burn victims heal faster and with fewer complications.
There are different types of burns depending on the severity:
- First degree – only the top layer of skin is involved. The skin is red but unbroken. No medical assistance usually required
- Second degree – deeper skin layers involved. Skin is red and blistered. Often massive fluid loss is present and medical assistance required
- Third degree – entire thickness of skin is involved. Skin is charred and may be little pain initially due to damage of nerve endings. Fluid loss, shock, and dehydration present. Medical assistance necessary
In order for a burn to heal promptly and properly, it is very important for the burned area to develop new healthy skin rapidly and cleanly. HBOT speeds the healing of burns while reducing the risk of infection by the following mechanisms:
- Constricting blood vessels (vasoconstriction) to limit the amount of fluid loss so wounded cells do not dry out and die
- Preventing shock or circulatory failure produced by massive fluid loss
- Reducing the amount of replenishing fluids required
- Establishing a new network of capillaries and blood vessels to help nourish the damaged tissue and remove extra waste
- Providing extra oxygen to stimulate the reproduction/growth of healthy cells
- Encouraging cells from healthy tissue to migrate to the wounded area to help with healing
- Inhibiting wound infection, both by increasing the number and function of white blood cells and by increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics given
- Reducing the rate of complications
- Aiding in the survival of skin grafts and flaps
- Increasing the growth of new skin
- Helping to treat and reduce other complications that often accompany burns, such as smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning
All of these factors help to speed the healing and increase the survival rate among burn patients. Studies have shown that hospitalization and mortality rates among severely burned patients who receive HBOT were reduced by one third. HBOT-treated patients also often require one-third less fluid replacement and heal 30% faster than those who do not receive HBOT.