Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, but it can sometimes damage healthy tissues surrounding the treated area. This is known as a post-radiation injury.
Injuries occur when healthy cells are damaged by the same radiation used to destroy cancer cells. Radiation can lead to poor oxygen supply, damage to blood vessels, inflammation and scarring of the tissues. Conditions like radiation cystitis (bladder damage ), radiation proctitis (damage to the rectum ), and damage to the bone or soft tissues can lead to ongoing pain, bleeding, ulcers or infection. Sadly, post-radiation injuries can be hard to treat.
However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT ) offers promise for post-radiation injuries. HBOT involves breathing nearly pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber to significantly increase oxygen levels in the blood. This enhanced oxygen delivery is key to repairing tissues damaged by radiation.
Here’s how HBOT works:
· Restores oxygen supply: HBOT helps oxygen reach areas with poor blood flow caused by radiation damage.
· Promotes new blood vessel growth: this improves circulation around the injury, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to promote healing.
· Reduces inflammation: reducing swelling can help to ease discomfort.
· Enhances tissue repair: HBOT encourages stem cells in the bone marrow to help with tissue repair and regrowth.
· Prevents infection: high oxygen levels make it hard for harmful bacteria to survive and multiply, reducing infection risk.
For individuals suffering from post-radiation injuries, HBOT can reduce pain, accelerate healing, and improve quality of life. Each session lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and at OxyGeneration, the state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber provides a comfortable environment for patients to relax during treatment.
If you’re experiencing complications from radiation therapy, contact OxyGeneration in Galway to learn how HBOT could help you.
