Glossary
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung — the one absolute contraindication to HBOT.
A pneumothorax is air trapped between the lung and chest wall, collapsing the lung. An untreated pneumothorax is the single absolute contraindication to hyperbaric therapy, because pressure changes can turn it into a life-threatening tension pneumothorax.
More terms
Stem cell mobilization
HBOT's ability to release stem cells from bone marrow into circulation.
Marx protocol
The staged HBOT-and-surgery approach for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw.
Decompression sickness
Illness from nitrogen bubbles forming after rapid ascent from depth.
Fibroblast
The cell that builds collagen and rebuilds wounds — and needs oxygen to work.