Is hyperbaric oxygen good for lungs

Is hyperbaric oxygen good for the lungs?

With the increasing severity of air pollution, the continued high smoking rate, and the high incidence of respiratory diseases, lung health issues have become the focus of global attention. More and more people are beginning to realize that it is urgent to effectively protect the lungs from environmental pollution and diseases. However, among the many treatments for respiratory diseases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has gradually come into the public eye as an emerging treatment method. But can hyperbaric oxygen therapy improve lung function? What are the treatment principles and effects behind it?

Clinical studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly improve lung health through mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory and repair of damaged tissues, providing new hope for the treatment of a variety of respiratory diseases. Next, Oliveoxygen will explore in depth how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can exert its potential therapeutic effects.

Definition and Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Definition and Principle:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a method of treating diseases by placing patients in a special chamber above normal pressure and inhaling high concentrations of oxygen. In this environment, the concentration of oxygen is much higher than that in the normal atmosphere, which can promote the body to absorb oxygen more fully and help repair damaged tissues.

Specifically, the principle of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to increase the oxygen content in the blood and tissues by increasing the solubility of the gas and the diffusion rate of oxygen, thereby improving the hypoxic state in the body and promoting self-repair and treatment.

Common uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was first widely used in the fields of acute carbon monoxide poisoning and post-traumatic wound healing. After years of research and practice, it has gradually been applied to more medical fields. For example, it has also achieved remarkable results in the treatment of chronic wounds, diabetic foot, radiation damage, etc. In recent years, with the in-depth study of lung diseases, the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in improving lung health has gradually been recognized.

It helps to relieve symptoms such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, etc. by enhancing the oxygen supply to the lungs and even promotes the repair and regeneration of lung tissue.

8 Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen for the Lungs

• Enhance gas exchange:

Under high pressure, the solubility of oxygen increases, allowing the lungs to exchange gases more effectively and increasing arterial oxygen partial pressure and oxygen saturation, which is especially beneficial for patients with impaired lung function.

• Improve ventilation function:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can directly act on the lungs, promote alveolar gas exchange, and quickly improve respiratory efficiency for diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary edema.

• Reduce lung inflammation and edema:

By increasing oxygen supply, hyperbaric oxygen helps reduce the inflammatory response caused by tissue hypoxia and reduce pulmonary edema, especially in cases other than cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

• Promote repair:

For patients with lung injury or surgery, hyperbaric oxygen can accelerate the repair process of damaged tissues, promote new blood vessel formation, and facilitate the recovery of lung function.

• Fight against anaerobic infection:

A hyperbaric oxygen environment can inhibit the growth of anaerobic bacteria and has an auxiliary effect on the treatment of lung infections caused by such bacteria.

• Improve microcirculation:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve lung microcirculation, reduce capillary permeability, reduce exudation, help eliminate edema, and have a positive effect on improving the overall hemodynamics of the respiratory system.

• Auxiliary treatment of respiratory diseases:

For asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc., hyperbaric oxygen can relieve symptoms, reduce the frequency of attacks, and improve the quality of life of patients.

• Promote recovery:

During the recovery process after lung disease or surgery, hyperbaric oxygen can accelerate physical recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Should I go to the hospital for hyperbaric oxygen therapy or do it at home?

Comparison of applicable population

• Choose a hospital hyperbaric oxygen chamber:

Confirmed serious illness (such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene)

Need high-pressure treatment of 2.0ATA or above (such as sudden deafness, radiation damage)

Medical insurance covers part of the cost, suitable for short-term intensive treatment

• Choose a home hyperbaric oxygen chamber:

Sub-healthy people (long-term fatigue, mental workers, mild lung disease)

Mild symptom assistance (chronic inflammation, recovery after exercise)

Need long-term oxygen therapy health care (such as three high people, immune regulation)

Pursue privacy and time freedom (no need to queue, use at home at any time)

Comparison of efficacy and safety

Long-term cost comparison

Hospital treatment:

Single cost is tens to hundreds of dollars, and a recovery course costs tens of thousands of dollars

High time cost (going back and forth to the hospital + queuing)

Depending on the medical insurance policy, some indications need to be paid out of pocket.

Home oxygen chamber: A  one-time investment of several thousand to ten thousand dollars (≈3 years of hospital treatment costs)

Shared by the whole family, low average daily cost

Long-term health investment, preventive oxygen therapy is more economical

Precautions and potential risks of HBOT

Common side effects (short-term, reversible)

• Barotrauma

Manifestations: middle ear pain, tympanic membrane congestion, sinus tenderness (cavity organ damage caused by pressure changes).

High-incidence scenarios: Too fast pressure increase/decompression speed, or the patient does not balance the ear pressure (such as pinching the nose to blow air).

Response: Train ear pressure balance skills before treatment and control the rate of pressure change in the cabin.

• Oxygen Toxicity

Manifestations:

Central nervous system type: facial muscle twitching, dizziness, tinnitus (mostly occurs when long-term oxygen inhalation is above 2.0ATA).

Pulmonary type: pain behind the sternum, cough, decreased vital capacity (rare, high-concentration oxygen inhalation is required for several hours).

Response: Strictly limit the single treatment time (usually ≤90 minutes) and pressure threshold (health cabin ≤1.5ATA).

• Temporary vision changes

Manifestations: aggravation of presbyopia, temporary improvement of myopia (due to changes in oxygen content in the lens).

Recovery: Most recover on their own within 1-3 months without special treatment.

Claustrophobic reaction

Symptoms: Anxiety in the cabin, shortness of breath, and even refusal of treatment.

Response: Choose a transparent cabin design, psychological counseling before treatment, and use anti-anxiety drugs if necessary.

Serious risks (rare but need to be vigilant)

• Pneumothorax aggravated

Mechanism: The gas in the damaged lung expands under high pressure, causing difficulty breathing or even suffocation.

Contraindications: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prohibited for patients with untreated pneumothorax.

• Epileptic seizures

Causes: High concentrations of oxygen stimulate the central nervous system (mostly occurs when treated above 2.5ATA).

High-risk groups: Patients with a history of epilepsy and brain damage need to be carefully evaluated.

• Pulmonary oxygen toxicity injury

Pathology: Destruction of the alveolar-capillary barrier, causing pulmonary edema and fibrosis.

Prevention: Avoid long-term (>2 hours) high-concentration oxygen inhalation and dynamic monitoring of lung function is required in the medical cabin.

• Fire and explosion

Causes: static sparks in the cabin, electronic equipment, or chemical fiber clothing are flammable in an oxygen-rich environment.

Specifications: Strictly check the fire source before treatment, use pure cotton clothing in the cabin, and do not carry electronic products.

Contraindications (people who are prohibited or need to use with caution)

• Untreated pneumothorax

• Severe emphysema with bullae

• Active internal bleeding (such as cerebral hemorrhage)

• High fever (>38.5℃)

• Malignant tumors (except for some after radiotherapy)

• Severe upper respiratory tract infection

• Early pregnancy (first 3 months)

• Severe claustrophobia