Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The administration of pure oxygen at higher than atmospheric pressure (hyperbaric oxygen) had been found useful as a primary method of treatment or as adjunctive therapy in a variety of disorders. Hyperbaric oxygen increases the oxygen available to hypoxic or anoxic tissues; in the case of anaerobic infections, it provides an environment in which the organisms cannot survive. The treatment should be started in the acute stage of the disorders for which it is indicated. Therefore, the family physician should be familiar with the uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and should be aware of a treatment facility in his area.