Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment to increase a person's blood oxygen level, which can prevent tissue death, promote healing, and help fight infection. This treatment involves a person being in an enclosed chamber while 100% oxygen is pumped in at high pressure.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to treat conditions such as severe carbon monoxide poisoning, some types of infections, decompression sickness, burns, poorly healing wounds, extreme blood loss, and injuries that cut off oxygen supply to the muscles and other soft tissues.

Large medical centers can often provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but it may not be available in smaller hospitals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.