Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Provided by: Healthwise
50% of users found this article helpful.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment to increase a person's blood oxygen level, which can prevent tissue death, promote healing, and help fight infection. This treatment involves a person being in an enclosed chamber while 100% oxygen is pumped in at high pressure.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to treat conditions such as severe carbon monoxide poisoning, some types of infections, decompression sickness, burns, extreme blood loss, and injuries that cut off oxygen supply to the muscles and other soft tissues.

Large medical centers can often provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but it may not be available in smaller hospitals.

Author:Lila Havens
Sabra L. Katz-Wise
Medical Review:Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
Last Updated: 04/14/2006

© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

Was this article helpful?
Tell us what you think.

Rate this article:
liked it no thanks

Filter By:

In the Spotlight

Dealing With An Emergency

Do you know what to do in an emergency? Do you have a family action plan?

Find out more »

Yahoo! Groups

Join the Conversation:

Join a Yahoo! Group and discuss topics with other members of the group.

See All First Aid Groups »

Yahoo! Health Videos

My Health

help

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAge

For a quick and healthy snack, you can’t go wrong grabbing one of this season’s freshest apples. But put the peeler away. Read More »

View All Tips »

Tell us what you think about Yahoo! Health - Send us your feedback