With hyperbaric oxygen therapy emerging as a potential treatment for Long COVID-19, it is important to understand the lasting impact of the pandemic. We all remember what it was like when COVID-19 first spread globally in 2020. People were confined to their homes or required to wear masks whenever they went out in public. More than 750 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide since 2020. Of those 750 million cases, more than six million people worldwide have died from the virus. If you’d like to learn more about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is emerging as a potential treatment for Long COVID-19, or to schedule your appointment, contact us today: (619) 470-4325
Understanding the Impact of Long COVID-19 and the Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Most people infected with COVID-19 have survived. Many experienced harsh symptoms for a few weeks until they eventually recovered. Unfortunately, new medical studies show that a small percentage of COVID-19 survivors have experienced ongoing symptoms that have lasted for months or even years. These symptoms include:
Headaches- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Muscle & joint pain
- Memory loss
The term “Long COVID-19” describes the long-term condition that some COVID survivors continue to experience from COVID-19 after initially recovering from it. In some cases, the symptoms eventually grow more severe and lead to life-threatening medical problems like strokes and heart inflammation.
The Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID-19
There is currently no official cure for Long COVID-19. However, there are suitable treatments available to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Aside from medications and physical therapy, another form of treatment that has shown benefits for some Long COVID-19 symptoms is hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a specialized procedure in which a patient is placed inside a pressurized chamber and administered 100% oxygen to breathe. Inhalation of pure oxygen increases oxygen levels in the patient’s tissues and bloodstream, resulting in a stronger immune system and faster healing and recovery.
Here are the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Long COVID-19 symptoms:
- Reduces Pain and Inflammation – Long COVID-19 may cause systemic inflammation, leading to unwanted symptoms such as muscle aches, fever, and fatigue. If inflammation is left untreated for too long, it can damage vital bodily organs, tissues, and systems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation by causing the body to generate more anti-inflammatory cytokines and less pro-inflammatory cytokines. HBOT can also help to neutralize harmful molecules called “free radicals” that can cause long-term inflammation. Lastly, HBOT can mobilize stem cells that inhibit inflammatory lymphocytes, which can cause chronic inflammation and problems with your immune system. These anti-inflammatory benefits of HBOT are ideal for alleviating the symptoms of Long COVID-19. Once these symptoms are relieved, you should start to feel more energetic and able to return to your normal activities.
- Treats Brain Injuries – Numerous medical studies have found that Long COVID-19 can cause injuries to the brain that result in headaches, pain, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms can significantly impair a person’s quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown benefit in treating some symptoms of brain injuries. As high levels of oxygen enter the bloodstream, the body repairs damaged brain tissue and grows stronger, healthier blood vessels. The result is less pain and faster regeneration of neurological tissues, which can lead to improved cognition.
- Improves Mood and Sleep – Long COVID-19 can destroy your mood with depression and anxiety, which then causes you to have trouble sleeping. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to have positive effects on the central nervous system. By establishing an oxygen-rich bloodstream, the regeneration of your neurologic tissues may help improve your mood and quality of sleep. That means less insomnia and more normal sleep patterns moving forward.
- Better Quality of Life – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not be a cure for Long COVID-19, but it may be able to improve the quality of your life. Some patients have reported returning to a normal, independent life again without pain or cognitive issues that can hold you back from enjoying normal daily activities.
Ready to Learn More? Contact HealMedO2 About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID-19
Are you interested in learning more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its potential treatment for Long COVID-19? Contact HealMedO2 in San Diego for more information and to schedule a consultation with a hyperbaric oxygen therapy specialist: (619) 470-4325
