Under normal circumstances, only red blood cells transport oxygen through the blood. In some cases this may not be adequate to deliver enough oxygen to radiation injured tissues. Oxygen has a profound influence over wound healing, and any oxygen deficiency stunts the body’s ability to heal injuries.
Without oxygen, cells can’t produce the energy needed for bacterial defense, regeneration, collagen synthesis, or essential reparative functions. Instead, the healing process slows until it comes to a full halt. The body needs concentrated oxygen flow to overcome its deficiencies —Simply inhaling oxygen is not enough.
Pure and pressurized oxygen helps promote wound healing in several ways. Oxygen is normally concentrated in our red blood cells, but through HBOT, oxygen is dissolved into other bodily fluids (like plasma) and then transported to areas starved for oxygen. This process:
- Reduces tissue swelling by flooding cells with oxygen.
- Promotes formation of new blood vessels, connective tissue, and skin cells.
- Prevents tissue damage by encouraging natural oxygen radical scavengers to seek out problem areas.
- Resists infection by blocking harmful bacteria and strengthening the immune system.