If you or a family member has long covid, you know how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, studies over the last two years show that treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) provides more than a 90% resolution of Long Covid symptoms. More importantly, they suggest that HBOT heals the underlying conditions causing the fatigue, brain fog and other symptoms.
This is especially positive news, given that researchers estimate that between twenty and thirty million people in the US suffer from Long Covid.
At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we have treated many long COVID patients who have returned to normal life after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. They tell us that hyperbaric therapy cured their long covid. In our next Blog update, our patients will share their individual experiences directly.
What is Long Covid?
Long COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), includes symptoms that persist weeks or months after the acute phase of COVID-19. These symptoms can vary widely but commonly include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive impairment, and muscle pain. The exact mechanisms behind Long Covid are not fully understood, making it difficult to treat with conventional methods.
The Most Common Symptoms of Long-Covid
The effects of long covid vary, but generally, they include exhaustion, pain, “brain fog” (decreased ability to focus and memory challenges) depression, anxiety and more. These symptoms persist for more than two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.3 The most common symptoms of post-covid syndrome4 are:
- Fatigue, with 65% of patients reporting significant fatigue that prevents them from performing their usual work or activities
- “Brain fog” (memory and focus)
- Breathlessness and shortness of breath
- Decreased executive function
- Systemic widespread pain
- Mood challenges, including depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress
- Loss of taste or smell
- Insomnia
- Headaches
How Covid Hurts
Researchers report that these symptoms result from inflammation in the brain as well as the body), as well as blood clots resulting from prolonged oxygen starvation to bodily tissues (tissue hypoxia). In the brain, this causes nerves to move from an active state to an idling state: The result? Brain fog, emotional and physical exhaustion, and cognitive and emotional difficulties. But it's not just the brain affected: SARS-CoV-2 can create blood clots in the lungs, brain, and other tissues.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals Long Covid
Enhanced Oxygen Delivery
HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, significantly increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues throughout the body. This enhanced oxygenation can promote healing and reduce inflammation, potentially addressing some of the underlying issues associated with Long Covid.
Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is a key component of Long Covid, contributing to many of its debilitating symptoms. HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation by modulating the body’s inflammatory response. This can reduce symptoms such as fatigue and muscle pain, improving overall quality of life for Long Covid patients.
Neurocognitive Benefits
One of the most troubling aspects of Long Covid is its impact on cognitive function, often referred to as "brain fog." HBOT has been demonstrated to enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive function in various conditions. By increasing oxygen supply, HBOT may help alleviate cognitive symptoms associated with Long Covid, aiding in the recovery of mental clarity and focus.
Tissue Repair and Regeneration
Damage to tissues and organs is another concern for those with Long Covid. HBOT promotes the repair and regeneration of tissues by stimulating the release of growth factors and stem cells. This process can be particularly beneficial for lung and muscle recovery, addressing symptoms such as shortness of breath and muscle weakness.
What is Our Treatment for Long Covid?
Leading research shows that the most effective long covid treatment is receiving 10 - 40 HBOT sessions, depending on the severity of the patient’s diagnosis. Patients receive 100% oxygen at 2.0ATA for 90 minutes, with five-minute air breaks after every 20 minutes.
While HBOT shows promise as a treatment for Long Covid, it is essential to consider it as part of a broader therapeutic strategy. Long Covid is a complex condition that may require a multifaceted approach. Incorporating HBOT alongside other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and nutritional support, could provide a more comprehensive path to recovery. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan incorporating HBOT where appropriate.
At Bay Area Hyperbarics, our medical staff recommends this protocol, although we also accept physician-partners' recommendations. Our physician partners sometimes recommend pressures of up to 2.4ATA for 90 minutes, with five-minute air breaks every 20 minutes.
Call Us For Your Long Covid Treatment
Call us to discuss how we might help you regain the energy, focus and enthusiasm you had before Covid.
It's really quite simple to get you or your loved-one on the road to recovery and wellness.
