This week’s article from OxyGeneration focuses on a solution to Long Covid.
As the medical community grapples with the long-lasting effects of COVID-19, commonly referred to as “long COVID,” attention has turned to hyperbaric oxygenation (HBOT) as a potential solution. This treatment involves exposing people to high levels of oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, aiming to alleviate symptoms stemming from vascular disruption and dysfunction caused by the virus.
Professor Jack Lambert, a respected figure in medicine from the UCD School of Medicine, advocates for the integration of HBOT into long COVID treatment regimens. Drawing from both personal observations and preliminary studies, Lambert highlights HBOT’s efficacy in addressing neurological conditions similar to long COVID, indicating its potential benefits for affected individuals. He said:
“Very few treatments are available for long Covid (LC), a condition that is thought to represent brain inflammation, hypoperfusion of the brain due to micro clots, and certain autoimmune processes that are ongoing post COVID-19 infection. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown in a number of similar neurological conditions to provide benefits to patients. Preliminary peer reviewed studies have been published showing the benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Long Covid patients. Personal observations by myself on patients who have used HBOT who have suffered from LC have shown benefit from this therapy.
As there are no current recommendations from the HSE on how to manage LC in Ireland, except for ‘time’ (time does not work ) and there are many HBOT centres in Ireland that are currently underutilised, it would make sense to offer this treatment modality to support LC patients in Ireland.”
Long Covid is characterised by persistent symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, pain, and insomnia, often resulting from immune dysregulation, inflammation, and microvascular damage induced by the virus. HBOT operates by increasing oxygen supply to tissues, promoting healing processes, and offering a multifaceted approach to addressing these complexities.
HBOT fosters neuroplasticity, aiding in the recovery of brain function and reducing swelling, which is crucial for alleviating cognitive symptoms like brain fog. Additionally, by enhancing cellular metabolism and tissue repair, HBOT reverses the vascular and cellular damage observed in long COVID. Its anti-inflammatory effects dampen the production of pro-inflammatory substances, while modulating the immune response restores balance and alleviates autoimmune processes contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Furthermore, HBOT stimulates angiogenesis, promoting the formation of new blood vessels essential for improving tissue perfusion and repairing microvascular damage. The recommended HBOT treatment protocol involves daily sessions, five times a week for two weeks, allowing for sustained exposure and maximising therapeutic effects.
Accessibility to HBOT can significantly improve the quality of life for long COVID patients and presents a compelling opportunity to address the current gap in long Covid treatment. OxyGeneration in Galway are leading the way in terms of long Covid recovery boasting many success stories of those who have achieved a full resolution from their long Covid symptoms. Contact 091-394444 for more information or email Jennifer at info@oxygeneration.com.
