Indications — when hyperbaric therapy helps
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one of the few therapies used in such a wide range of medical conditions — from chronic wounds that do not heal for months, to emergencies such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Most common indications
- Diabetic foot
- Sudden deafness
- Hard-to-heal wounds
- Sports injuries
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Decompression sickness
Diseases on the HZZO List of Indications are treated with us on referral, and the costs are paid by the HZZO.
The common denominator for all of these indications is increased oxygen availability to tissues, which accelerates the body's natural healing processes. Below is an overview of the conditions for which the therapy has shown proven effectiveness.
Diabetic foot
Chronic wounds associated with diabetes, known as diabetic foot, often heal slowly due to poor blood flow to the tissue. Hyperbaric therapy accelerates the healing of chronic ulcers and significantly reduces the risk of amputation, thus providing patients with the opportunity to maintain their quality of life.
Sudden deafness
Sudden hearing loss, as well as the accompanying tinnitus (ringing in the ears), are conditions in which timely inclusion of oxygen therapy can improve the outcome of treatment. The increased concentration of oxygen in the blood helps the recovery of the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Hard-to-heal wounds
Wounds resulting from surgery, burns, or radiation during oncology treatment often require additional support in the healing process. Hyperbaric therapy stimulates the formation of new tissue and accelerates healing where standard approaches are insufficient.
Sports injuries
For athletes and recreational athletes, therapy allows faster recovery of muscles, tendons, and joints after injuries, shortening the time needed to return to activities and training.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
In the case of CO poisoning, hyperbaric therapy is an emergency and crucial form of treatment — a high concentration of oxygen under pressure quickly displaces carbon monoxide from the blood and prevents permanent damage to the body.
Decompression sickness
Divers who experience decompression sickness or gas embolism due to improper surfacing require emergency treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, which is the standard and unavoidable protocol for managing such diving accidents.