What is Hypoxia?
Hypoxia is a key inhibiting factor for wound healing, which can block fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and capillary angiogenesis — increasing the risk of infection.
Effects of Persistent Hypoxia
Reduced Oxygen Availability
Impairs the cells’ ability to generate energy, reducing synthesis of proteins and enzymes needed for healing.
Reduced Collagen Synthesis
Low oxygen levels slow down collagen production, delaying wound closure and reducing tissue strength.
Reduced Antimicrobial Activity
Low oxygen impairs immune response, allowing bacteria to grow and worsen wound infections.
Persistent Inflammation
Ongoing inflammation disrupts the healing cycle by breaking down tissue and delaying regeneration.
Benefits of Oxygen Therapy
There is a wealth of evidence to support the benefits of oxygen therapy on wound healing. Oxygen is required for all major processes of wound healing, and wound hypoxia is a common barrier that prevents proper recovery.
Skin wounds can receive oxygen from the bloodstream via perfusion and from oxygen uptake through the skin. However, both wound perfusion and oxygen levels are often insufficient in patients with chronic wounds due to poor circulation, vascular disruption, and vasoconstriction, which significantly reduce the wound’s capacity to heal effectively.