Lyme disease is a debilitating condition caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites. Its symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a rash. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term damage to joints, muscles, and the nervous system. While antibiotics are commonly used to treat Lyme disease, there is another treatment option that has shown promising results in clinical studies–Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of HBOT in Lyme disease treatment and the mechanism behind its effectiveness.
What is HBOT?
HBOT is a non-invasive medical treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure in a hyperbaric chamber. This therapy quickly increases the amount of oxygen in the body, which is essential in fighting infections and reducing inflammation. In the case of Lyme disease, oxygen has been shown to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight the bacteria that cause the illness and increase the effectiveness of antiobiotics.
How Does HBOT Work for Lyme Disease?
Through HBOT, increased oxygen in the blood is used to help combat the disease. The bacteria of Lyme disease are classified as microaerophiles, meaning that they grow best in areas with low oxygen concentrations. Hyperbaric research shows that HBOT effectively kills the organism by overcoming it with oxygen.
Hyperbaric oxygen does more than just kill off the Lyme disease bacteria. According to the National Hyperbaric Treatment Center, high oxygen levels help treat persistent symptoms. In cases of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, affecting about 20 percent of Lyme disease subjects, HBOT often provides relief when nothing else does. Joint and muscle pain, chronic inflammation, cognitive complications, and nerve damage typically improve with treatment.
Benefits of HBOT for Lyme Disease Treatment
One of the main benefits of HBOT in Lyme disease treatment is its ability to reach areas of the body where antibiotics cannot effectively penetrate, such as the brain and nervous system. Lyme disease can cause brain inflammation, which can lead to impaired cognitive function and memory loss. HBOT can reduce brain inflammation and improve cognitive function in patients with Lyme disease.
Is HBOT Safe?
Hyperbaric chambers have been used in hospitals since 1967 and are safe and well-tolerated, making them an ideal option for the estimated 150,000 Lyme disease patients in the U.S. The treatment is also painless and non-invasive, with minimal or no side effects.
HBOT has been used for decades to treat various medical conditions and has a proven track record of safety. Therefore, for those looking for alternative treatment options for Lyme disease, HBOT provides a safe and viable option.
It is important to note that HBOT is not a replacement for antibiotics, but rather a complementary treatment that can improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Partner with an Experienced Team for Best Results
When considering HBOT for Lyme disease treatment, it is essential to work with a qualified medical practitioner experienced in treating this condition. At Baromedical Associates, LLC, we have extensive experience with HBOT and are internationally known for our expertise in treating children with this advanced technology. If you or a loved one is suffering from Lyme disease, please contact us to learn more about this innovative treatment option.
References:
https://www.hyperbaricmedicalsolutions.com/conditions/non-covered/lyme-disease
https://www.nationalhyperbaric.com/hbot-treatments-and-conditions/lyme-disease