As COVID-19 enters the endemic stage, many are still struggling with the long-term repercussions of the virus. Long-term COVID-19 symptoms can leave its victims with a number of debilitating symptoms, like chronic fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, or muscle pain, for weeks or months after their initial recovery from the acute infection. While there is not a single cure available, alternative therapies have been considered, and one of them is Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy. But could hyperbaric therapy help in managing symptoms associated with long-term COVID-19 symptoms? While more research can hold the answer, we need to take a look at what hyperbaric oxygen therapy is and how it can help treat long-term COVID and manage symptoms that may still be affecting you months or even years after the initial infection.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
HBOT treatment encompasses administering pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber, in which oxygen levels in the blood and tissues are considerably raised beyond normal. HBOT has been utilized for several years for decompression sickness, diseases, non-healing wounds, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It involves increased oxygen delivery to the cellular level, promotes the healing process, reduces inflammation, and boosts immune systems.
The Potential Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Long Covid
Hyperbaric therapy may play a role in long-term COVID-19 by offering a number of potential benefits to patients with the condition by acting on some key features of the illness. Its modes of action are among those hypothesized drivers of symptoms of long-term COVID. Here are a few ways that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help treat side effects and symptoms of COVID and long COVID:
Improved Oxygenation
This is made possible by the flooding of tissues with oxygen to overcome microvascular dysfunction and to enhance cellular repair processes.
Lower inflammation
A few studies reported that the levels of pro-inflammatory markers were reduced during Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and hence, it could reduce the chronic inflammation characteristic of long COVID.
Neuroprotection
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been utilized in the treatment of brain injuries and can help with symptoms such as brain fog and cognitive dysfunction.
Mitochondrial Support
This therapy might improve mitochondrial functioning, which may help reduce fatigue, thus improving overall energy levels.
Advantages of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been successful in treating many different ailments, from Fibromyalgia to Decompression Sickness. The beautiful thing about hyperbaric oxygen therapy is that it can help treat symptoms of a wide variety of illnesses, especially the symptoms of long COVID. Some of the benefits of Hyperbaric
Oxygen Therapy that attracts many individuals suffering from long COVID includes the following:
Non-Invasive
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t involve surgery or the use of any medications.
Holistic Benefits
The systemic effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treat many symptoms simultaneously. This is very beneficial in a multifactorial condition such as long Covid.
Improved Quality of Life
Many patients report feelings of increased energy, focus, and ability since treatment.
Integrating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy into Long Covid Management
In this regard, for patients considering using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as part of their long COVID recovery, it is a treatment that should be approached as part of an overall strategy. Long COVID can be such a complex disease that it can only be treated by combining different therapies best suited for the individual, such as physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, dietary changes, and medications targeted toward specific symptoms.
Also, it is quite important to seek consultation from a healthcare provider with experience in the management of long-term COVID-19 prior to beginning any treatment using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. They are able to determine the appropriateness of the therapy and coordinate care with other specialists to maximize the outcomes of recovery.
HBOT has been emerging in the treatment of symptoms related to long COVID. Improvement in the quality of life would be expected as consideration is being given to the HBOT directed against a number of broader underlying factors related to inflammation, oxygen delivery, and cellular repair in those with the condition. Initial trials are encouraging, so appropriate conduct of further and stronger studies is warranted in order to confirm the efficacy of this intervention and its guidelines for application.
If you are interested in learning more about Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy to help with the management of Long Covid symptoms, call the offices of Nenergy Boost today at (424) 485-0627 and we will be happy to answer questions and set you up with an appointment.