How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) work?
Breathing 100% oxygen at an increased pressure greatly enhances the supply of life giving oxygen to the tissues. To understand HBOT, one must first realize that under normal conditions (one atmosphere absolute or ATA), we are subjected to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch of pressure. The air we breathe is composed of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. During HBOT, those conditions are altered. The pressures can be increased while 100% oxygen is breathed by the patient by mask or oxygen hood.
