What is a common indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. One of the well-established indications for HBOT is carbon monoxide poisoning. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells more efficiently than oxygen, which can lead to tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen). The application of HBOT helps displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin and facilitates the delivery of oxygen to hypoxic tissues, thereby mitigating the effects of poisoning and promoting healing.

In contrast, the other conditions listed, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety disorders, and seasonal allergies, do not have strong evidence supporting the efficacy of HBOT as a treatment. While these conditions can impact health significantly, they typically do not involve the acute tissue hypoxia that is characteristic of carbon monoxide poisoning, making HBOT less relevant or effective for them. Therefore, carbon monoxide poisoning stands out as the correct and common indication for the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.