Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): A Promising Approach for COVID-19 Recovery

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a specialized medical treatment that involves administering 100% oxygen to patients while they are inside a pressurized chamber, typically at two to three times the atmospheric pressure. This therapy has been proven effective in treating various conditions, including decompression sickness, non-healing wounds, and radiation injuries. Recently, researchers and medical practitioners have explored the potential of HBOT as a treatment for COVID-19, offering new hope for patients struggling with severe respiratory distress.

How Does HBOT Work?

HBOT involves exposing the patient to 100% oxygen while the chamber is pressurized to a higher than normal level. This allows the lungs to take in more oxygen, which in turn spreads to the rest of the body. The increased pressure enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, promoting faster healing and recovery.

Recent Studies on HBOT for COVID-19

A small but significant study published in May 2020 observed the effectiveness of HBOT as an experimental treatment for COVID-19. The study found that patients receiving HBOT alongside standard care were more likely to be discharged from the hospital and had shorter hospital stays compared to those who did not receive HBOT.

Case Studies and Clinical Outcomes

Further evidence comes from a series of case studies involving six patients who responded exceptionally well to HBO2 therapy. These patients were critically ill with COVID-19 and displayed severe respiratory distress symptoms.

Each patient met one or more of the following criteria:

Shortness of breath (respiratory rate ≥ 30 breaths/minute) Finger pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤ 93 at rest Oxygen index (PaO2/FiO2) ≤ 300 mmHg

Medical professionals excluded them from the study if they had pneumothorax, pulmonary bullae, or any absolute contraindications to HBOT.

The treatment protocol involved administering 1.5 atmospheres absolute HBOT with an oxygen concentration of over 95% for 60 minutes per session, once a day for one week. Patients provided daily self-reports on symptoms, measures including mean SpO2, arterial blood gas analysis, D-dimer levels, lymphocyte counts, cholinesterase levels, and chest CT scans.

Positive Results

The results for the six patients were nothing short of remarkable. Both male patients experienced immediate relief from shortness of breath and bore ply after the first HBOT treatment. Over the subsequent seven days, these symptoms showed further improvement. Respiratory rates also decreased daily.

More importantly, the patients did not become critically ill. There was a reversal in the decreasing trend of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the oxygen index (P/F ratio). White blood cell counts and ratios associated with immune function gradually recovered. Additionally, D-dimer levels corresponding to peripheral circulation disorders and serum cholinesterase levels reflecting liver function also improved.

Follow-up chest CT scans revealed a marked reduction in lung inflammation.

Conclusion

The preliminary, uncontrolled case reports indicate that HBOT therapy may provide a promising and effective approach for addressing the progressive hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. While more research is still needed to confirm these findings, the early results are encouraging and offer new hope for patients with severe respiratory distress.

Seek Professional Medical Advice

If you are considering HBOT for COVID-19, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can advise you on whether HBOT is appropriate for your specific condition and guide you through the treatment process.