Post-Covid Conditions

While most recover from COVID-19 infections, some experience symptoms that last months after the initial infection. These long COVID patients exhibit a combination of persistent symptoms, including fatigue, memory issues, brain fog, anxiety, sleep disruption, change in taste and smell sensation, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can be quite debilitating and disruptive to people's daily lives.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a treatment option for the condition. HBOT is a therapy that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. During a hyperbaric treatment session, the pressure allows the oxygen to reach higher levels in the bloodstream and tissues, reducing inflammation and promoting healing and recovery. 

There are several mechanisms by which HBOT reduces inflammation. By increasing the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the plasma, HBOT stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. HBOT can also increase the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, which can help to reduce the overall inflammatory response. 

The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT has been shown to be effective in a variety of conditions, including autoimmune disorders and acute injuries. Given the role of inflammation in long COVID, HBOT may be a beneficial treatment option for long haulers.