The FDA-cleared uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric chambers are medical devices, and in the US the FDA clears them for specific uses. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), the main professional body for hyperbaric medicine, keeps a closely matching list of conditions where the evidence supports HBOT.
The recognized conditions
The UHMS list currently includes:
- Air or gas embolism (gas bubbles in the bloodstream)
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene)
- Crush injuries, compartment syndrome and other acute traumatic loss of blood supply
- Decompression sickness ("the bends")
- Arterial insufficiencies, including central retinal artery occlusion and selected problem wounds such as some diabetic foot ulcers
- Severe anemia when blood transfusion is not possible
- Intracranial abscess
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
- Refractory osteomyelitis (bone infection that hasn't responded to other treatment)
- Delayed radiation injury to soft tissue and bone
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Acute thermal burns
- Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Most of these are treated in hospitals or wound-care centers, under a physician, at pressures of about 2.0 to 3.0 ATA, and often as one part of a larger treatment plan.
Why the list matters
The list tells you where research supports HBOT. It does not mean HBOT is the main treatment for every case of these conditions; doctors decide that case by case.
It also tells you what is not on the list. The FDA has specifically warned consumers that HBOT has not been proven to treat conditions including autism, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, depression, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke and sports injuries. Some providers still advertise it for these. Be cautious of anyone who does.
Wellness sessions are different
Wellness centers, including ours, offer HBOT sessions for relaxation and general wellness routines. These sessions are not medical treatment for any condition. If you have one of the conditions above, you need a physician-led program, usually at a hospital or wound center.
Where to learn more
Related reading: HBOT for wellness: separating hype from evidence and Does insurance cover HBOT?.