The high pressure within the chamber helps speed oxygen to the tissues where it's needed for vital body functions. Hyperbaric oxygen also has an antibacterial effect. In addition, since much of the body's immune system is oxygen-dependent, high oxygen levels can give a boost to the cells that fight off infection, particularly deep in the tissues. Hyperbaric oxygen can also compensate for disrupted circulation, helping to reduce swelling and promote tissue recovery following burn or crush injuries. Other applications are still considered experimental.
Some plastic surgeons recommend hyperbaric treatment to hasten healing after the operation.
Migraine pain, memory loss from dementia or Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis are other conditions for which the therapy is considered potentially beneficial. In some animal studies and limited clinical studies, hyperbaric oxygen has shown promise for treatment of stroke. It supports the immune system, destroys toxic substances, fuels metabolism, and promotes new cell growth. Although the theory underlying use of these compounds may seem reasonable, their effectiveness has never been verified in clinical trials. Ozone, for instance, has been found to inactivate the AIDS virus in laboratory tests, but when given to patients, has failed to work any improvement.