What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical treatment that involves inhaling pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber for a particular amount of time. HBOT causes increased pressure and hyperoxia.

HBOT facilitates healing by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood by up to 2000 percent, which increases the amount of oxygen in the actual cells of the body. The increase in oxygen helps white blood cells kill bacteria, reduces swelling and helps new blood vessels grow into affected areas.

HBOT is used in cerebral palsy treatment for children and is administered at the equivalent to around 15 feet below sea level. A typical phase of treatment will include over three dozen one hour treatments.

HBOT is used to reduce swelling in the brain. Lack of oxygen leads to swelling in the brain tissue and HBOT can help with this because it can constrict blood vessels and deliver more oxygen to tissue in the brain. There are several testimonials that claim HBOT helped with spasticity, vision and speech problems in children.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy a good idea for your child? Only your child's doctor can tell you that. However, it is always a good idea to consider alternative options of therapy for your child.

For more information, please visit these websites:

http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/hypoxsum.htm

http://www.hbot.com/