The story behind the evolution of hyperbaric oxygen machines is quite a fascinating one. The story is indicative that the chambers have come a long way. HBOT chambers were not this smart and advanced when they were initially produced. They were first manufactured as a simple setup, before they evolved into the sophisticated systems they have become today.
So, we are here to find out how HBOT chambers became what they are today. This knowledge will help you a great deal, knowing that some of the challenges that have been corrected in the latest HBOT chambers. It will also enable you appreciate the current models of HBOT machines, like OxyHelp hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
Where it All Began?
The first officially recognized instance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy took place in the seventeenth century. It was an occasion that saw a Brit use a special kind of system with one-directional valve to alter the atmospheric pressure inside a sealed environment.
Without having a scientific basis, the Brit argued that high pressures could be used to address certain health challenges. The sealed chamber was referred to as a domicilium. The therapy ended up preventing lung diseases and improving digestion when ambient pressures were manipulated and oxygen concentration kept constant. The Brit never included oxygen in his experiments because it has not been discovered yet. Oxygen discovery will occur in the next century.
Pneumatic Chambers
Pneumatic Chambers is also a form of hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Edmond Halley is well-respected for his work and contributions to the development of compressed air baths or pneumatic chambers.
Edmond actually came up with a diving bell, where air was sent from sea level. The idea was for him to undertake a diving exercise down 60ft below sea level. He was able to stay in the diving bell for 90mins. And in the early 19th century, the first suit meant for deep sea-diving was invented.
Empirical HBOT
After the first person worked on hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a French man took up the study 200 years later. This physician built an HBOT chamber in 1834. He worked with James Watt, a man well-known for his achievements in steam engine.
This chamber could produce as much as 4 times the normal atmospheric pressure and was effective for treating a number of pulmonary challenges. He claimed that his machine helped enhance circulation to the brain and internal organs. According to him, that brought about better health for the people who used the system. His work led to what is called empirical HBOT.
HBOT and Decompression Sicknesses
Depression sicknesses are mostly common with deep sea divers. After their diving expeditions, they are repeatedly attacked by cold and rheumatism. Then, it was a huge challenge because it led to the death of many divers.
The first death of decompression sickness was recorded in the 1850s. it happened after many workers had taken ill after they worked for long hours at great depth where there was a much higher pressure. Twelve years later, another incident of ill workers ending up dead will occur during the construction of a certain bridge.
Workers kept dying of bend in those construction sites that did not have any recompression chambers. And after several experiments and scientific work, HBOT became a viable means for treating decompression sicknesses. As a result of that discovery, only few people lost their lives at those underground sites where they had to work for long hours. Only 3 people lost their lives in a period of 18 months. That paved the way for more studies and research on HBOT, which later confirmed it as a treatment for other sicknesses.
HBOT and Other Diseases
In the late 1930s, a couple of Brazilians decided to take the study of HBOT and how it can be used to treat other diseases to a new level. They actually attempted on using the therapy to treat leprosy.
Somewhere in the Netherlands, another scientist experimented with the idea of ravishing the body with sufficient oxygen. A couple of trials were carried out with animals inside hyperbaric chambers.
It was also recorded that children that had congenital heart problems were treated inside the facility and they showed significant signs of improvement. Boerema, the Netherland man, was given credit for creating the most impact on today’s HBOT.
In the mid-1950s, Churchill proposed that HBOT can be used as part of radio therapy to treat patients affected by cancer. As public interest and awareness in HBOT grew, hospitals in London showed more interest in its study.
At a point, HBOT was recommended for people who had low carboxyhemoglobin levels higher than 25%. All they had to do was set the system to deliver 3ATA for 90mins, and the user will be fine again after having the session for 2 or 3 times.
Cernoch and Boschetty once tried using HBOT to treat sclerosis. During the course of their trials, 15 patients from 26 showed remarkable signs of improvement from sclerosis. HBOT has also been used to experiment the treatment of abrupt deafness. HBOT proved to fast-track the healing of victims of sudden deafness.
In 1972, an HBOT center was established to handle a variety of CNS disorders. The man behind the center claimed that injured neurons can be rejuvenated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Richard became a well-respected name in this field of medicine for many years and even till this day.
Wrapping Up
Have you seen how far HBOT has come? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy didn’t start today. The therapy has gone through many changes and transitions. This article clearly shows how HBOT advanced from its first form to where it is today. Knowing this should instill some level of confidence in users. Now, HBOT chambers look like some kind of smart machine, designed with many electronic and digital accessories. But, we have seen that it didn’t begin like that. Are you looking to invest in HBOT chambers? You can go ahead. There is every reason to trust the system if modern day HBOT achievements are anything to go by.