Hyperbaric oxygen

Pronunciation

Definition 1

Oxygen that is given at a pressure that is higher than the pressure of the atmosphere at sea level. In medicine, breathing hyperbaric oxygen increases the amount of oxygen in the body. It is used in treating certain kinds of wounds, injuries, and infections. It is also used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning and other conditions in which the tissues are not getting enough oxygen. It is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Hyperbaric oxygen may increase the amount of oxygen in cancer cells, which may make them easier to kill with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is a type of radiosensitizing agent and a type of chemosensitizing agent. (NCI Dictionary)

Definition 2

Oxygen that is administered at a higher pressure compared to standard (i.e. sea-level) atmospheric pressure. Administration of oxygen under hyperbaric conditions enhances the delivery of oxygen to hypoxic tumor cells, thereby increasing their sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen may improve the healing of radiation-induced injuries by improving oxygen delivery to damaged tissue. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 3

Oxygen that is at an atmospheric pressure higher than the pressure at sea level. Breathing hyperbaric oxygen to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy is being studied. (NCI Dictionary)

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