Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Infection Control
Why Infection Control Matters
Serious infections—especially those involving anaerobic bacteria or resistant strains—can impede healing,
cause tissue damage, and become life-threatening. Standard treatments include antibiotics and debridement,
but some infections remain stubborn. HBOT provides a powerful adjunctive therapy to enhance infection control.
How HBOT Fights Infection
- Inhibits Anaerobic Pathogens: High oxygen tensions directly suppress growth of anaerobic bacteria like Clostridium spp.
- Enhances White Blood Cell Function: Improves neutrophil oxidative burst, boosting bacterial killing.
- Promotes Antibiotic Synergy: Oxygen increases efficacy of many antibiotics, helping overcome resistance.
- Reduces Edema & Hypoxia: Pressure and oxygen reduce swelling, improving drug delivery to infected tissues.
- Stimulates Angiogenesis: New capillary growth restores healthy blood flow to fight infection.
Approved & Emerging Indications
- Gas Gangrene (Clostridial Myonecrosis): UHMS and FDA-approved indication.
- Refractory Osteomyelitis: Chronic bone infections unresponsive to standard care.
- Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: Adjunct for rapid infection control and tissue preservation.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infections: Helps clear deep-seated infections and prevents amputations.
- Other Resistant Infections: Off-label use for MRSA, VRE, and complex wound infections.
Treatment Protocols
Protocols vary by infection type, but commonly:
- Pressure: 2.0 – 2.5 ATA
- Duration: 90 – 120 minutes per session
- Frequency: 1–2 sessions per
