As research continues to unravel the complexities of long-COVID 19, one promising avenue is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), offering potential relief to those enduring the long-term impacts of COVID-19.
The therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which enhances the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the plasma, leading to several mechanisms that may contribute to alleviating persistent symptoms associated with long COVID.
Long COVID-19, a perplexing and persistent condition, has emerged as a significant challenge for individuals who, even after recovering from the initial novel coronavirus infection, continue to grapple with enduring symptoms.
Initially, it was anticipated that most COVID-19 patients would experience a relatively brief illness followed by a complete recovery. However, a subset of individuals, commonly referred to as “long haulers,” defies this expectation, facing an extended battle with symptoms such as debilitating fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and various other lingering effects.
A 2021 study revealed that one in seven hospitalized COVID-19 patients experienced symptoms beyond eight weeks, complicating the understanding of the virus’s aftermath.
Reducing Inflammation: Long-COVID often involves chronic inflammation, impacting various bodily systems. HBOT has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. This reduction in inflammation can contribute to improved overall well-being and symptom relief.
Promoting Healing and Recovery: The pressurized environment during HBOT allows increased oxygen levels to reach the bloodstream and tissues, promoting healing and recovery. Oxygen under pressure can enhance the body’s natural healing processes, potentially addressing the lingering effects of COVID-19.
Enhancing Neuroplasticity: A recent study on the effects of HBOT on long COVID patients found that those who underwent forty hyperbaric oxygen treatment sessions displayed beneficial changes in cognition, fatigue levels, sleep, and pain patterns. These changes were attributed to increased brain blood perfusion and neuroplasticity identified on MRI scans. Neuroplasticity is a process where the brain creates and reorganizes nerve cell synaptic connections after injury, suggesting that HBOT may positively influence brain function in long COVID cases.
Addressing Oxygen Deprivation: In some cases, long COVID symptoms may be linked to oxygen deprivation in specific tissues. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen that reaches tissues, potentially aiding in the recovery of organs and systems affected by the virus.
While these mechanisms provide a theoretical basis for the potential benefits of HBOT in long COVID, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this therapy. Individuals considering HBOT should consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a hyperbaric medicine specialist, to evaluate its suitability and potential risks based on their specific health condition. As the understanding of long COVID evolves, HBOT stands as an exciting area of research with the potential to offer relief to those grappling with persistent symptoms.
IN FACT: Our own Dr. Katz was recently published in a medical journal describing the effectiveness of HBOT for long-term COVID patients who saw significant improvement of specific long COVID-related effects in eight different published studies.
Our state-of-the-art medical clinics offer cutting-edge Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an innovative treatment option for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
Under the expert guidance of our experienced physicians and certified technicians, patients experience the benefits of HBOT in our spacious acrylic monoplace chambers, the Perry Sigma 40. If you or a loved one are seeking effective relief and improved quality of life, explore how HBOT can make a difference.
When it comes to HBOT therapy, trust the experienced certified-technicians and multi-disciplinary physicians at Baromedical Associates to provide you with the most advanced treatment—in your own private space.
Baromedical Associates specializes in the development and management of medical clinics that use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and other advanced therapies to provide our patients with the most medically advanced, modern treatment available today.