On March 21st and 22nd, the Faculty of Medicine in Cádiz will host the 4th National Congress of Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine, organized by the Spanish Association of Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine (ASEMHS). This key event aims to raise awareness of a medical specialty that, while increasingly important, is still widely unknown: hyperbaric medicine.
At La Cámara Hiperbárica in Málaga, we welcome initiatives like this that promote the use and understanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This treatment involves breathing 100% medical oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric, significantly increasing oxygen saturation in tissues and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes.
A Focus on Conditions Treated with HBOT
The Congress will explore clinical cases and innovations in treating conditions such as:
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Diabetic foot ulcers
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Radiation-induced tissue damage
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Carbon monoxide poisoning
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Diving-related illnesses
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Chronic wound healing
Dr. Emilio Salas, local coordinator of the Congress and promoter of the hyperbaric chamber at San Carlos Hospital in San Fernando, stresses that HBOT is a scientifically recognized treatment worldwide. However, in Andalusia and much of Spain, it still faces challenges due to limited public infrastructure and insufficient awareness in the medical field.
The Need for More Hyperbaric Chambers in Andalusia
One of the key topics at the Congress is the lack of hyperbaric chambers in public healthcare across Andalusia, with only one hospital-based facility currently available—in San Fernando (Cádiz). This is a major concern, especially along the coastline, where diving activities are common but emergency access to hyperbaric treatment remains limited.
The Congress will also address changes in recreational diving regulations, particularly the removal of mandatory medical check-ups, now replaced by self-declarations. This has led to a spike in diving incidents and legal disputes.
Access to Hyperbaric Therapy in Málaga
At La Cámara Hiperbárica de Málaga, we offer professional hyperbaric oxygen therapy with modern equipment and experienced specialists. We treat athletes, patients with chronic conditions, and those recovering from radiation therapy or toxic exposures.
A Call to the Medical Community and Health Authorities
Dr. Salas emphasizes the importance of informing medical professionals—especially in fields such as surgery, emergency medicine, and intensive care—about the potential of HBOT: “Many carbon monoxide poisoning cases are not referred to hyperbaric chambers simply because doctors don’t know where they are or because they’re not integrated into emergency protocols.”
At La Cámara Hiperbárica in Málaga, we fully support these educational efforts and advocate for the integration of hyperbaric therapy into standard medical practices across Spain.
Curious about whether you could benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Málaga?
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