Glossary of Terms

Key terminology in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Unit of pressure used in HBOT. 1 ATA = sea-level pressure. Medical HBOT uses 1.5-3.0 ATA.

Periodic intervals breathing normal air during HBOT. Reduces oxygen toxicity risk.

Formation of new blood vessels. A key healing mechanism stimulated by HBOT.

Tissue damage from pressure changes. Most common: middle ear barotrauma.

Gas volume decreases as pressure increases. Explains how HBOT reduces gas bubbles.

The bends - dissolved gases form bubbles during rapid pressure reduction.

Cell producing collagen and connective tissue. HBOT enhances fibroblast activity.

Gas dissolved in liquid is proportional to pressure. Explains increased dissolved oxygen.

Above normal pressure. A hyperbaric environment exceeds 1 ATA.

Excess oxygen supply to tissues. Controlled hyperoxia triggers beneficial responses.

Insufficient oxygen supply to tissues. A target of HBOT in many conditions.

Single-patient chamber pressurized with 100% oxygen. Most common in outpatient centers.

Treats multiple patients simultaneously. Pressurized with air; patients breathe oxygen through masks.

Formation of new blood vessels. HBOT is one of the most potent stimulators.

The brain's ability to form new neural connections. HBOT may enhance this.

Adverse effects from high-pressure oxygen, primarily affecting lungs or brain. Managed with air breaks.

Viable but dysfunctional tissue surrounding core injury. HBOT may reactivate these cells.

Portable flexible chamber reaching 1.3-1.5 ATA. Used for mild HBOT.

HBOT increases circulating stem cells up to 8-fold, contributing to regenerative effects.

Transcutaneous oxygen measurement. Non-invasive tissue oxygen assessment.

Standardized protocol specifying pressure, duration, and gas mixture. US Navy Tables are widely used.

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Leading scientific organization for HBOT.

Narrowing of blood vessels. HBOT causes vasoconstriction that reduces edema while maintaining oxygenation.