(NewsNation) — Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be beneficial for treating people with long COVID-19, new research shows.
The therapy has seen an increased demand, according to researchers who, after studying patients with chronic symptoms of COVID-19 more than three months after initial infection, published their observational study in the scientific journal Nature on Aug. 4.
“The results from this registry do demonstrate that 56–63% of long COVID patients treated with HBOT report increased quality of life 3 months after HBOT,” the study said. However, the authors noted that more research is needed.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment in which an individual, sitting or lying down, receives 100% oxygen inside a special chamber. Often in an outpatient medical setting, the process treats chronic wounds and other medical conditions, such as burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, hearing and vision loss and severe anemia.
The therapy heals damaged tissue by helping the body grow new skin, blood vessels and connective tissues, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Side effects may include ear injuries, claustrophobia and sinus congestion and pressure.
Room air contains 21% oxygen, whereas hyperbaric chambers provide air that contains 100% oxygen. The pressurized chamber helps the lungs absorb more oxygen, which in turn helps the body’s tissues heal.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a list of unapproved uses for this therapy, including COVID-19.
“There currently isn’t enough research and testing to conclude that hyperbaric oxygen therapy safely and effectively treats these conditions,” the Cleveland Clinic said. “You should only receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for an approved condition from an experienced healthcare provider in an accredited medical facility.”
Other unapproved conditions include anti-aging, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, depression, hair loss, HIV/AIDS, migraine headaches, sports injuries and stroke.