Hyperbaric Oxygen

Let’s talk about finding relief from the late effects of radiation…discolored skin, stiff fibrotic tissue and non-healing wounds.

As many as 15 percent of patients receiving high doses of radiation therapy will experience these late side effects, which may be delayed for several months or years after treatment has ended. Following radiation, the tissue has fewer cells and blood vessels than non-radiated tissue, creating tissue that is stiffer, less tolerant of injury and lacking oxygen needed for normal function and healing. Without a robust network of blood vessels, the skin can become thin, and it can become difficult to achieve complete and lasting healing in the affected areas.

For the patients who suffer from late effects of radiation exposure, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is often the only treatment that can prevent irreversible tissue loss or help the patient undergo life-improving reconstructive procedures.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a treatment option for some patients who suffer from late side effects of radiation therapy. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen in the blood by exposing patients to pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber. Exposure to this pressurized oxygen helps facilitate the reformation and regrowing of blood vessels in the irradiated areas, positively impacting the skin’s quality and ability to heal.

If you are navigating healing complications post-radiation, do inquire about your candidacy for HBOT and advocate for your healing needs! Visit HyperbaricAware.com for more information about hyperbaric oxygen therapy.