Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Definition

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. It is used to enhance the body's natural healing processes and combat certain types of infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HBOT increases oxygen concentration in tissues, which can inhibit the growth of anaerobic bacteria.
2. It is effective against certain bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Clostridium species, which are responsible for gas gangrene.
3. Hyperbaric oxygen environments can enhance the efficacy of antibiotics by improving their penetration into infected tissues.
4. HBOT promotes angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which helps in wound healing and infection control.
5. This therapy can be used as an adjunct treatment for severe cases of infections like necrotizing fasciitis and osteomyelitis.

Review Questions

• How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy inhibit the growth of anaerobic bacteria?
• What types of bacterial infections are most effectively treated with HBOT?
• In what ways does HBOT enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics?

Related terms

Anaerobic Bacteria: Bacteria that do not require oxygen for growth and may even die in its presence.

Gas Gangrene: A severe form of gangrene caused by Clostridium bacteria producing gas within tissue.

Necrotizing Fasciitis:

A rapidly progressing bacterial infection causing tissue death, often referred to as flesh-eating disease.