Could breathing pure oxygen under pressure heal more than we think?
In this episode, we explore the science behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) — a treatment long used for decompression sickness, but now under serious investigation for chronic wounds, cognitive decline, fibromyalgia, and even stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, saturating tissues with oxygen and triggering healing processes. But does the evidence live up to the growing hype?
🔍 We cover:
– Clinical outcomes in diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injury, and necrotizing infections
– Potential for neurocognitive enhancement in aging and Alzheimer’s
– Use in fibromyalgia, stroke recovery, and scar reduction
– Safety, accessibility, and what future trials are exploring
📄 Scientific References:
– Apolo-Arenas, M. D., Guerrero-Nogales, L., Díaz-Muñoz, C. L., Caro-Puértolas, B., Parraca, J. A., & Caña-Pino, A. (2024). Use of the hyperbaric chamber versus conventional treatment for the prevention of amputation in chronic diabetic foot and the influence on fitting and rehabilitation: A systematic review. International Journal of Vascular Medicine, 2024, Article 8450783.
– Cao, C., Li, Q., Zhang, X., Varrassi, G., & Wang, H. (2023). Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen for fibromyalgia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Practice, 13(3), 583–595.
– Hadanny A, Sasson E, Copel L, et al. Physical enhancement of older adults using hyperbaric oxygen: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2024;24(1):572. Published 2024 Jul 3.
– Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Jia Y, Wang T and Meng D (2023) Adverse effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front. Med. 10:1160774
– Hadanny, A., Zubari, T., Tamir-Adler, L., Bechor, Y., Fishlev, G., Lang, E., … Efrati, S. (2019). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects on pulmonary functions: A prospective cohort study. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 19, Article 148.
– Huang, C., Zhong, Y., Yue, C., He, B., Li, Y., & Li, J. (2023). The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the clinical outcomes of necrotizing soft tissue infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 18, Article 23.
– Li X, Lu L, Min Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol. 2024;24(1):55. Published 2024 Feb 3.
– Lin, G., Zhao, L., Lin, J., Li, X., & Xu, L. (2024). Clinical evidence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 16, Article 1360148.
– Marcinkowska, A. B., Mankowska, N. D., Kot, J., & Winklewski, P. J. (2022). Impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive functions: A systematic review. Neuropsychology Review, 32, 99–126.
– Moreira Monteiro, A., Alpuim Costa, D., Mareco, V., & Espiney Amaro, C. (2023). The effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for managing radiation-induced proctitis – results of a 10-year retrospective cohort study. Frontiers in Oncology, 13, Article 1235237.
– Ortega, M. A., Fraile-Martinez, O., García-Montero, C., Callejón-Peláez, E., Sáez, M. A., Álvarez-Mon, M. A., … Canals, M. L. (2021). A general overview on the hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Applications, mechanisms and translational opportunities. Medicina, 57(9), 864.
– Ríos-Gómez, M., Gómez-Ortega, V., Cardona, C., & De la Hoz-Valle, J. A. (2023). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery: Systematic review. Surgical Techniques Development, 12(1), 43–52.
– Xie, R., Zhong, A., Wu, J., Cen, Y., & Chen, J. (2023). Could hyperbaric oxygen be an effective therapy option for pathological scars? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, 57(1–6), 330–335.
– Yang, T.-K., Wang, Y.-J., Li, H.-J., Yu, Y.-F., Huang, K.-W., & Cheng, J. C.-H. (2024). Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(16), 4724.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast summarizes peer-reviewed scientific research for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning or changing any treatment or therapy.
💡 Note: Content created with support from Google’s NotebookLM. The views expressed are those of the host and do not represent the original authors or their institutions.
🔔 If you find this episode valuable, please like, share, and subscribe!
#HyperbaricOxygenTherapy #HBOT #EvidenceBasedMedicine #Neuroplasticity #WoundHealing #CognitiveHealth #SciencePodcast
source
