From the Guidelines
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not a recommended treatment for ME/CFS or Long COVID based on the current evidence. The study published in Nature Reviews Microbiology in 2023 1 does not mention hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a potential treatment for long COVID. Instead, it discusses various other treatments that have shown promise, such as low-dose naltrexone, antihistamines, and anticoagulant regimens.
When considering treatment options for ME/CFS or Long COVID, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based approaches. The current evidence suggests that treatments such as pacing, symptom-specific pharmacological options, and non-pharmacological options like cognitive pacing and elimination diets may be effective for subsets of populations 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating treatment options for ME/CFS or Long COVID include:
- The importance of developing and validating biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response 1
- The potential benefits of treatments like low-dose naltrexone, antihistamines, and anticoagulant regimens 1
- The need for individualized treatment approaches, as patients with ME/CFS or Long COVID may have unique symptom profiles and responses to treatment 1
- The importance of consulting with a physician familiar with ME/CFS or Long COVID before pursuing any treatment, including complementary approaches like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
In the context of real-life clinical medicine, it is crucial to prioritize treatments with established evidence and to approach complementary therapies with caution. While hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have some theoretical benefits, its effectiveness for ME/CFS or Long COVID is not supported by the current evidence, and it should not be considered a primary treatment option.
From the Research
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID and ME/CFS
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been studied as a potential treatment for long COVID and ME/CFS, with several studies suggesting its effectiveness in improving symptoms and quality of life 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The mechanisms of HBOT's therapeutic effects include improvement of microcirculation, inhibition of cytokine release, inhibition of autoimmune responses, and promotion of neurological repair 2.
- Studies have shown that HBOT can improve symptom severity, reduce symptom duration, and enhance patients' quality of life in long COVID patients 2, 3, 5.
- A case study also found that applying the principles of ME/CFS care to an individual with long COVID can lead to significant improvement in symptoms 6.
- Long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial found that the benefits of HBOT in long COVID patients can persist for up to 1 year after treatment 5.
Symptoms Improved by HBOT
- Fatigue: HBOT has been shown to improve fatigue symptoms in long COVID patients, with significant improvements in fatigue scales 3, 5.
- Cognitive function: HBOT has been found to improve cognitive function, including executive function, attention, and information processing 3, 5.
- Sleep quality: HBOT has been shown to improve sleep quality in long COVID patients, with improvements persisting in long-term follow-up 5.
- Pain symptoms: HBOT has been found to reduce pain severity and interference in long COVID patients, with improvements persisting in long-term follow-up 5.
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms: HBOT has been shown to improve neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression, in long COVID patients 5.