Spotlights on Diving and Hyperbaric Unit in Al Sharq Hospital
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a clinically proven modality in which patients breathe 100 % oxygen at pressures above normal atmospheric pressure (between 1.5 and 3 atmospheres absolute ATA) inside a sealed pressurized chamber.
Under these conditions, the amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma can increase up to twenty time’s normal levels, vastly improving oxygen delivery to hypoxic or ischemic tissues.
By saturating plasma with oxygen, HBOT promotes collagen synthesis, reduces local swelling, enhances leukocyte function and stimulates angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels) leading to faster closure of ulcers and improved graft viability.
HBOT has gained significant recognition in both the diving medicine field and broader conventional medical practice for its therapeutic value.
In the diving medical community, HBOT is a cornerstone in the treatment of decompression illness (DCI), which includes decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism. These conditions occur when inert gases, primarily nitrogen, come out of solution and form bubbles in the bloodstream or tissues during rapid ascent. The symptoms can range from joint pain and fatigue to paralysis and death.
Beyond its essential role in diving medicine, HBOT has earned a solid place in conventional medicine. It is approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and various national health systems for treating over a dozen conditions.
These include carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, necrotizing soft tissue infections, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts, radiation tissue damage (such as radiation cystitis or osteoradionecrosis), and diabetic foot ulcers.
In neurological cases such as traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery, and post-concussion syndrome, studies suggest that HBOT may reduce inflammation and support neuroplasticity.
Additionally, in oncology, HBOT has been shown to improve outcomes in patients suffering from the late effects of radiation therapy by revitalizing irradiated tissues and improving quality of life.
In Fujairah, HBOT has become increasingly accessible for conventional medical patients through centers such as Al Sharq Hospital’s Hyperbaric Unit, where a dedicated team delivers therapies for a broad spectrum of conditions, and equipped with a state of the art Modern Double-compartment Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber which can treat almost all cases indicated for HBOT sessions up to the most critically ill cases.
For the broader Fujairah diving community, the presence of nearby hyperbaric chambers enhances overall safety, supports dive tourism growth, and fosters confidence among professional and recreational divers alike.
Fujairah’s strategic location on the Gulf of Oman coast—with multiple PADI-affiliated centers—relies on Al Sharq’s 24/7 hyperbaric services for both scheduled preventive “dives” and urgent decompression treatment.
Furthermore, Al Sharq Hyperbaric Unit in Fujairah serves as valuable training and education center for local medical and emergency response personnel. It helps in improving community awareness of dive safety and emergency response protocols, strengthening the overall resilience of the diving sector.
In conclusion, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a vital resource for Fujairah, supporting both the local diving community and the wider population. By improving patient care, ensuring diver safety, and contributing to healthcare excellence, HBOT reinforces Fujairah’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination for both tourism and marine industry operations.
Dr. Khaled Elsayed Mahmoud Eltobgy
Specialist in Diving & Hyperbaric Medicine
Al Sharq Hospital Fujairah
