Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat Radiation Injuries?

Radiation therapy serves as a critical weapon in our fight against cancer, helping millions of patients every year by destroying harmful cancer cells. However, this powerful treatment sometimes comes with a cost. Around 85% to 95% of patients receiving radiation therapy will develop some form of radiation-induced soft tissue injury. 

These injuries can range from mild skin irritation to severe tissue damage that significantly impacts quality of life. But thanks to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, faster and more complete wound healing in damaged tissue is possible. 

While not a new treatment approach, HBOT has gained attention from medical professionals as a promising option for patients suffering from radiation injuries when conventional treatments fall short. Read on to explore how this oxygen-rich therapy offers hope and healing to those dealing with the challenging aftermath of life-saving radiation treatments and where to find the best radiation injury treatment in Metro Atlanta. 

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment where patients breathe 100% pure, medical-grade oxygen while sitting or lying in a pressurized chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is typically two to three times higher than normal atmospheric pressure, allowing the lungs to gather much more oxygen than would be possible when breathing regular air. 

This super-charged oxygen dissolves directly into the bloodstream, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissues, reaching areas with reduced blood flow. Medical professionals use HBOT to treat various conditions, including:

• Diabetic wounds that won't heal
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Serious infections
• Air bubbles in blood vessels
• Burns
• Soft tissue injuries that are caused by radiation treatments

During a typical session, which lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, patients simply relax while the increased oxygen works throughout their body, stimulating stem cell production, reducing inflammation, and promoting new blood vessel growth. 

How Does Radiation Cause Tissue Injury?

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy cells in the process. This damage triggers inflammation and reduces blood flow to the affected area, which can make it difficult for tissues to heal properly. Over time, this can sometimes lead to fibrosis, a hardening of tissues that further restricts blood flow and oxygen delivery. 

Radiation injuries can appear immediately after treatment or emerge months or even years later. Common types of radiation injuries include:

• Osteoradionecrosis: Death of bone tissue, particularly in the jaw, after head and neck cancer treatment
• Radiation dermatitis: Skin inflammation and breakdown
• Radiation cystitis: Bladder inflammation and bleeding
• Radiation proctitis: Rectal inflammation causing pain and bleeding
• Radiation enteropathy: Intestinal damage leading to digestive problems

These injuries can significantly impact one’s quality of life and sometimes require surgical intervention. Thankfully, however, HBOT can help radiation injury sufferers heal while avoiding invasive procedures. 

Can HBOT Effectively Treat Radiation Injuries?

Patients frequently report reduced pain, decreased bleeding, and improved function in affected areas after completing hyperbaric oxygen treatment for radiation injuries. For example, those with radiation proctitis often experience fewer bathroom emergencies and less rectal bleeding, while patients with jaw osteoradionecrosis can avoid major reconstructive surgery. Quality of life improvements can be substantial, with many patients returning to activities they had abandoned due to their symptoms. 

What to Expect During HBOT for Radiation Injury Treatment in Atlanta

During HBOT sessions, you’ll relax in a pressurized chamber while breathing 100% medical-grade oxygen. This process helps promote healing by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues with poor blood flow, which is a common issue in areas damaged by radiation. It also supports the immune system, helping reduce inflammation and fight infection. For many, this treatment complements the care provided by radiation oncologists, especially when other treatment options have not been effective.

HBOT is often recommended for several weeks, with sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes. While the number of sessions can vary, many patients begin to notice improvements within the first couple of weeks. At Regenerative & Hyperbaric Medicine, we can also help to reduce the risk of complications from your radiation treatment, including long-term damage or life-threatening infections.

Other Conditions That Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Atlanta Can Help With 

Clinical studies continue to explore how HBOT can help reduce the risks of developing complications in various parts of the body exposed to radiation, ultimately offering hope for better outcomes and improved quality of life. In addition to treating radiation injuries, HBOT is also used to manage other complex conditions, such as: 

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Chronic bone infections, known as osteomyelitis
• Non-healing surgical wounds, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems
• Crush injuries and traumatic wounds
• Skin grafts and flaps that are at risk of failure
• Severe burns

Finding the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation Necrosis in Metro Atlanta

At Regenerative & Hyperbaric Medicine, we tailor our HBOT treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, depending on the affected area, the effect of radiation therapy, and any underlying medical conditions. Before beginning treatment, patients meet with our care team to review their history, radiation dosing, and any current side effects of radiation, such as tissue breakdown, pain, or bleeding.

What sets our care apart is the time we take to truly understand each patient's needs and tailor treatments accordingly, creating a supportive and personalized experience. From the moment you step through the door, our team is committed to making your care journey as seamless and effective as possible. With a focus on medical excellence and compassionate support, we help our patients regain their health and everyday quality of life.

Ready to let the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy providers in Metro Atlanta help you heal from radiation injury?