Research Shows that Hyperbarics
Heals Long-Covid
If you or a family member is experiencing the debilitating effects of Long Covid, you are aware of the significant impact it can have on daily life. Thankfully, recent studies conducted over the past two years have revealed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can provide a remarkable resolution of Long Covid symptoms, surpassing 90%. Even more promising is the indication that HBOT addresses the underlying conditions that cause fatigue, brain fog, and other debilitating symptoms associated with Long Covid.
This news is particularly encouraging considering that researchers estimate a substantial number, ranging from twenty to thirty million individuals, in the United States alone, are affected by Long Covid.
At Hyperbaric Wellness Center in Morgan Hill, we have had the privilege of treating numerous patients who were severely debilitated by Long Covid. After undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, these patients have successfully reintegrated into normal life, with many attributing their recovery to HBOT.
The most common symptoms of long-covid
Long Covid encompasses a range of symptoms that can significantly impact individuals' well-being. These symptoms often persist for more than two months and cannot be attributed to an alternative diagnosis. The most common manifestations of post-Covid syndrome include:
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Fatigue: Around 65% of patients experience significant fatigue that hampers their ability to carry out regular work or engage in daily activities.
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"Brain fog": Many individuals report cognitive challenges such as difficulties with memory, focus, and mental clarity.
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Breathlessness and shortness of breath: Some Long Covid patients experience ongoing respiratory issues, leading to a sense of breathlessness and difficulty breathing.
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Decreased executive function: Executive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, and organization, may be impaired in individuals with Long Covid.
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Systemic widespread pain: Persistent pain throughout the body is another common symptom, causing discomfort and limiting physical activities.
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Mood challenges: Long Covid can contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, impacting an individual's emotional well-being.
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Post-traumatic stress: Some individuals may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a severe or traumatic Covid-19 illness.
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Loss of taste or smell: Impaired or altered sense of taste and smell is a well-known symptom associated with Covid-19 and can persist in some cases of Long Covid.
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Insomnia: Sleep disturbances and difficulties falling or staying asleep are frequently reported by individuals with Long Covid.
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Headaches: Recurrent headaches or migraines can be a persistent symptom, causing further discomfort and disruption.
How Covid Hurts
Researchers have observed that the symptoms of Long Covid are believed to arise from both inflammation in the brain and the body, as well as the formation of blood clots due to prolonged oxygen deprivation in tissues (referred to as tissue hypoxia). This dual mechanism contributes to various manifestations of the condition. In the brain, inflammation and oxygen deprivation can lead to a shift in nerve activity from an active state to an idle state, resulting in symptoms such as brain fog, emotional and physical exhaustion, and difficulties with cognition and emotions.
However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19, is not limited to the brain. It has been documented that the virus can trigger the formation of blood clots in multiple organs and tissues, including the lungs, brain, and other parts of the body. These blood clots further contribute to the overall symptoms and complications experienced by individuals with Long Covid.
The combination of inflammation and blood clot formation in various areas of the body underscores the complex nature of Long Covid and the need for comprehensive management strategies to address its diverse effects on both physical and cognitive well-being.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals Long Covid
Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) works to promote repair and improvement in the body. The combined effects of increased pressure and pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber play a crucial role in driving these therapeutic benefits.
HBOT activates more than 8,000 genes that are sensitive to both oxygen and pressure. These genes have a regulatory effect on inflammation, cell rejuvenation, and cell reproduction. They stimulate the body to produce stem cells and guide them to damaged areas, where they generate replacement cells that have been lost due to disease, injury, or aging.
Additionally, HBOT reduces cell death (apoptosis) and decreases inflammation. It aids in the healing of damaged blood vessels and promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis and neurogenesis). In the brain, HBOT supports the regrowth and reorganization of neural connections, a process known as neuroplasticity. It can even improve cognitive function, even years after the initial damage.
HBOT also has a modulating effect on the immune system through nerve modulation. It helps restore mitochondrial function in cells. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy within cells, and when their function improves, it leads to enhanced energy levels.
The multi-faceted mechanisms of HBOT, involving gene activation, inflammation regulation, stem cell production, angiogenesis, neuroplasticity, immune modulation, and mitochondrial function improvement, contribute to its therapeutic effects and ability to promote healing and recovery in various conditions.
What is Our Treatment for Long Covid?
Recent research indicates that the optimal treatment approach for long covid involves a series of 10 to 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions, depending on the severity of the patient's condition. During these sessions, patients receive 100% oxygen at a pressure of 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for a duration of 90 minutes. To ensure safety and comfort, there are five-minute air breaks provided after every 20 minutes.
At Hyperbaric Wellness Center, our medical staff generally recommends this treatment protocol for long covid patients. However, we also value the input and recommendations from our physician partners. In some cases, based on their expertise and assessment of the patient's condition, our physician partners may suggest slightly higher pressures, up to 2.4 ATA, for the same duration of 90 minutes, with the same five-minute air breaks every 20 minutes.
By tailoring the treatment approach to the individual patient and considering their specific needs, we strive to provide the most effective and comprehensive care for long covid using HBOT.
Call Us For Your Long Covid Treatment
We invite you to contact us to discuss how we can assist you in reclaiming the energy, focus, and enthusiasm you experienced prior to the impact of Covid. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process and provide the support you need on your journey towards recovery and wellness.
Reaching out to us is straightforward, and we are eager to help you explore the options available to you. Whether you are seeking information for yourself or a loved one, our knowledgeable staff is prepared to address your inquiries and offer guidance.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to speaking with you and assisting you in any way we can.