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Medical Background on Hyperbaric
Oxygen Therapy
While the actual physiologic mechanism of hyperbaric
oxygen is still being investigated, the effects of hypoxia are
well understood and predictable. The claims of Hyperbaric Oxygen
are rather simple: if any disease or dysfunction is caused by
or produces hypoxia, then the technology is available to provide
and deliver high dosages of oxygen to ischemic and hypoxic tissue.
Hyperbaric oxygen is a mechanical and physical therapeutic
modality capable ot providing large quantities of oxygen to hypoxic
tissue. Hyperbaric Oxygen is indisputable in this aspect. In
fact, it is capable of providing a sufficient quality of oxygen
to sustain life in the absence of hemoglobin. This particular
application is a recognized and accepted treatment for exceptional
blood loss anemia.
Much has been said and written as to what indications
hyperbaric oxygen is and should be applied to. Perhaps the most
appropriate explanation concerning the efficient applications
would be to understand the effects of hyperbaric oxygen. Based
upon a properly founded rationale and supporting documented evidence,
there are specific pathologies for which hyperbaric oxygen has
been identified as being valid, verifiable and proven.
Published references are cited for some of the specific,
known effects of HBO.
The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is intended
to be one of improved tissue oxygen delivery in many of the disease
states which we treat.
The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to augment
and support normal physiology.
It must be remembered at all times that hyperbaric
medicine is not a panacea. It is one aspect of a well-coordinated
medical, surgical and hyperbaric plan aimed at optimizing patient
outcome and the rational utilization of dwindling health care
dollars. It is fair to say that the average hyperbaric unit is
frequently judged by the patients that fail therapy rather than
those that are successful.
-E.P. Kindeall. Hyperbaric Medicine Procedures. St.
Luke’s Medical Center. 1995
Enhancement of Leucocyte-killing
activity
Hyperbaric oxygen serves to activate the patient's
own immune responses by elevating tissue oxygen tension allowing
the patient’s own host defenses to fight the infection.
It enhances the ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to kill
bacteria.
Suppression of Alpha Toxins
Its rationale for use stems from its ability to arrest
the production of alphatoxin.
Bacteriocidal
HBO is bacteriostatic for both aerobes and anerobes.
It has also been shown to be fungistatic as well.
Decrease in White Cell adherence
The timely application of hyperbaric therapy is critical
in preventing the white cell mediated cellular injury.
Reduces edema/Vasoconstriction
HBO reduces edema through preserving cell membrane
high energy phosphate compounds (ATP) needed to maintain normal
osmolarity.
Preservation of ATP in cell
membranes
by stimulating ATP production, activates reparative
and healing processes, releasing them from any nervous and/or
hormonal stimulation.
Enhancement of osteoclast activity
Hyperbaric treatment activates osteoclasts and may
promote resorption and phagocytosis of necrotic bone.
Fibroblast & Collagen production
Hyperbaric oxygen raises the oxygen tension in tissue
sufficient for collagen formation at a great distance from functioning
capillaries.
Capillary proliferation/Neovascularization
Solid evidence proves that hyperbaric oxygen can also
produce neovascularization or capillary proliferation in areas
of ischemic injury as well as in normal tissue.
Compensates for cellular respiratory
insufficiency
The administration of HBO produces an activation of
cellular metabolism without the need for blood supply and/or
nervous or endocrine stimulation.
Stimulates cerebral glucose
metabolism
--the augmentation of oxygenation of the ischemic
penumbra surrounding infected tissue.
Lifestyles Therapeutics Camrose Inc
Blaine Ferguson, CMT, HCO, CHT
Swedish Massage
Tai Chi/Qi Gong Instructor
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Ozone Therapy
Camrose, Alberta,
Canada, T4V 0M8
Phone: 780-672-6942
Fax: 780-672-6942
E-Mail: blaineferguson@hotmail.com |
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