Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in post-COVID recovery: myth or reality?

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a deep imprint on global health, and many people are dealing with the long-term effects of the infection, known as COVID long or post-COVID syndrome. Chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive problems and even depression are just some of the symptoms patients struggle with. In this context, a growing number of people are wondering whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could be an effective solution for recovery.

Is HBOT a myth or a reality in post-COVID treatment? Let's find out together!

What is hyperbaric therapy and how does it work?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure, concentrated oxygen in a pressurized environment. This helps to increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood and distribute it to areas with limited blood flow, stimulating the body's natural healing processes.

HBOT can also help reduce inflammation, improve tissue oxygenation and cell regeneration, all of which have a significant impact on the body's recovery from COVID-19.

How Does Hyperbaric Therapy Help in Post-COVID Recovery?

1. Improving Lung Function

One of the most common complications of COVID-19 is lung damage, such as shortness of breath and pulmonary fibrosis. Hyperbaric therapy helps:

• More efficient oxygenation of the lungs and improved gas exchange.
• Regeneration of damaged lung tissue, especially in cases of chronic inflammation.
• Reduce scarring and inflammation in the lungs.

HBOT can thus support faster recovery of respiratory function, which is essential for patients who have suffered severe forms of COVID-19.

2. Reducing Chronic Fatigue Post-COVID

Persistent fatigue and exhaustion are common symptoms in post-COVID syndrome, severely affecting quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen helps to:

• Restoring energy levels by stimulating metabolic processes and improving oxygen supply to cells.
• Reduce systemic inflammation, which is a major factor in chronic fatigue.
• Improved blood circulation, which contributes to better delivery of essential nutrients to organs and tissues.

Patients who tried HBOT reported a significant improvement in energy levels and a reduction in chronic fatigue.

3. Cognitive Recovery and Brain Function Improvement

Another effect of COVID-19 is "mental fog", i.e. difficulty concentrating, memory loss and other cognitive problems. In this sense, hyperbaric therapy:

• Increases cerebral blood flow, helping to oxygenate brain tissue and improve cognitive function.
• By stimulating neuroplasticity, HBOT can help damaged neurons recover.
• Reduce brain inflammation, which is a major factor in post-COVID cognitive impairment.

Thus, hyperbaric therapy can be a significant aid in mental recovery.

4. Support in Reducing Chronic Inflammation

COVID-19 is an acute inflammatory disease that can lead to ongoing inflammation of various organs, even after the acute infection has been overcome. Hyperbaric therapy can:

• Reduces chronic inflammation in joints, muscles and other organs.
• Modulate the immune response, helping to control excessive inflammatory reactions.

This is an essential benefit for patients experiencing muscle pain, stiff joints and other inflammatory symptoms post-COVID.

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What do the scientific studies say?

There is a growing number of studies and research suggesting that hyperbaric therapy can successfully address many of the post-COVID symptoms. For example:

• A 2021 study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, showed that HBOT can significantly improve lung recovery and cognitive function in patients who have suffered severe forms of COVID-19.
• Other preliminary studies suggest that HBOT may reduce inflammation and help damaged organs recover quickly.

However, it is important to note that more clinical trials are needed to fully validate the effectiveness of hyperbaric therapy in post-COVID treatments.

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Myth or Reality?

Hyperbaric therapy is not a magic cure or an instant solution for all post-COVID effects. However, the reality is that studies and patient experiences suggest that HBOT can play a significant role in post-COVID recovery, especially for:

• Respiratory recovery
• Reducing chronic fatigue
• Cognitive recovery
• Reducing inflammation

If you're experiencing post-COVID effects, consult a specialist to discuss the possible benefits of hyperbaric therapy, which could be a valuable complementary option in your recovery.