How To Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Treat Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are on the rise, affecting more and more people each year. While there is no cure for these conditions, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one such treatment that is showing promise in treating a variety of autoimmune disorders.
HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. This increased oxygen concentration helps to promote healing by increasing the amount of oxygen available to the body's tissues. HBOT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn's disease.*
If you're considering HBOT for your autoimmune disorder, it's important to know how to prepare for treatment and what to expect during and after your sessions. This blog post will provide an overview of HBOT and how it can help treat autoimmune disorders, as well as tips on how to prepare for treatment and what potential side effects and complications you may experience.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and How Does it Help Autoimmune Disorders.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This allows the lungs to take in more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure. The increase in oxygen can help to heal damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. HBOT is used to treat a variety of conditions, including autoimmune disorders.
Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Autoimmune disorders can be difficult to treat and often require a multi-faceted approach that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies such as HBOT.
There is growing evidence that HBOT may be an effective treatment for autoimmune disorders. A number of small studies have shown that HBOT can improve symptoms and quality of life in people with arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune disorders. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, HBOT may offer a promising new treatment option for people with difficult-to-treat autoimmune disorders.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders.
HBOT has a number of potential benefits for people with autoimmune disorders. First, HBOT can help to reduce inflammation by delivering high concentrations of oxygen to inflamed tissues. This can lead to reduced pain and swelling in joints affected by arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Second, HBOT may promote healing by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and improving blood flow to damaged tissues. This increased blood flow can help deliver nutrients and other important substances needed for tissue repair and regeneration. Finally, HBOT may boost the immune system by increasing the production of certain types of white blood cells that play an important role in fighting infection and disease.
HBOT is generally well tolerated, with few side effects. The most common side effect is ear pain, which can be alleviated by equalizing the pressure in the ears during treatment. Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own. More serious side effects are rare but can include lung collapse and brain injury. People with certain medical conditions such as asthma or emphysema may not be able to tolerate HBOT due to the risk of complications.
Overall, HBOT is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions, including autoimmune disorders. If you are considering HBOT for an autoimmune disorder, be sure to speak with your doctor to see if it is right for you.
How to Prepare for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Before beginning hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is important to consult with a doctor to ensure that the treatment is right for you. People with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, should not undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
It is also important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, as some medications may not be compatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. For example, people taking beta-blockers should not undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy unless the beta-blocker is discontinued prior to treatment.
Be sure to arrive at your appointment well rested and hydrated (don’t slam a bunch of water right before your appointment or you won’t be able to stay in the chamber, causing a forfeit of your appointment). You will be asked to remove all jewelry and extra clothing before entering the chamber, so it is recommended that you wear loose and comfortable clothing.
During Treatment Recommendations.
During treatment, you will lie on a padded table inside a chamber with windows. The chamber will be pressurized with 100% oxygen to help deliver more oxygen to your body tissues.
You will be able to see outside of the chamber and communicate with the person operating the machine by walkie talkie throughout the treatment. Most treatments last between one and two hours, during which time you can sleep or read, but devices are not allowed in the chamber.
Post-Treatment Guidelines.
After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine as they can dehydrate the body. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment as it can also contribute to dehydration.
Types of Autoimmune Disorders that Benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Arthritis.
Arthritis is a common autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain, and improving joint function.
Lupus.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include fatigue, joint pain, rash, and fever. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for lupus by reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. Symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, and problems with balance and coordination. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis by reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
Crohn’s Disease.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease by reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
Potential Side Effects and Complications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally considered a safe medical treatment, but there are some risks associated with the procedure. These risks include:
• Ear injuries – People who undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be at risk for ear injuries, such as barotrauma (damage to the ear due to changes in pressure) or eardrum rupture. To help prevent these types of injuries, people receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy will need to equalize the pressure in their ears during the treatment.
• Sinus problems – Some people may experience sinus congestion or sinus pain after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This is usually due to the increased pressure in the chambers during the treatment.
• Oxygen toxicity – In rare cases, people receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy may experience oxygen toxicity, which can cause lung and brain damage. This is more likely to occur if a person receives too much oxygen during the treatment.
Ways to Minimize Side Effects.
There are several ways that people can minimize the side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including:
• Drinking plenty of fluids before and after each treatment to help prevent dehydration and sinus congestion.
• Taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before treatments to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing during treatments to help prevent skin irritation from the compression garments worn during treatments.
Conclusion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and effective treatment for autoimmune disorders. It can help to improve symptoms and quality of life for those suffering from these conditions. If you are considering this treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits.
