What are oxygen radicals and their relation to hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Oxygen radicals, often referred to as reactive oxygen species (ROS), play a significant role in the body's physiological processes, particularly in relation to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). When oxygen is administered at higher-than-normal pressures during hyperbaric therapy, it leads to an increased production of these radicals.

While oxygen radicals are essential for several biological functions, such as cell signaling and immune response, their overproduction can result in oxidative stress, which is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to detoxify these reactive intermediates or repair the resulting damage.

Oxidative stress is implicated in various pathological processes, including inflammation and tissue injury, which can hinder healing. In the context of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, although ROS can be harmful in excessive amounts, controlled doses of oxygen can enhance the body’s healing processes by facilitating better oxygen delivery to tissues and promoting the activity of certain enzymes that help manage oxidative stress. Thus, while oxygen radicals can indeed contribute to oxidative stress, they also play a complex role in the healing process associated with HBOT.

This highlights the critical balance maintained during hyperbaric treatments, where the therapeutic benefits of increased oxygen levels can be optimized while