Healing Long COVID with Oxygen Therapy

Years after the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, many are still struggling with persisting COVID symptoms. Fatigue and brain fog persist in a way that makes daily activities harder than ever before. This is known as Long COVID. 

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID refers to ongoing symptoms that last weeks or months after the initial COVID infection has cleared. According to CDC estimates, around 6-8% of U.S. adults report experiencing Long COVID symptoms. It can affect people of all ages, even those who had mild or moderate initial infections. The underlying mechanisms are still being studied, but researchers believe Long COVID involves a mix of chronic inflammation, vascular changes, and low oxygen delivery (hypoxia).

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help

At BBRS, we offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as one viable method to treat Long COVID symptoms. This involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing it to reach deprived tissues due to inflammation or microvascular damage. This leads to new blood vessel growth, called angiogenesis, and can powerfully enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This leads to a reduction of inflammation, an enhancement of cognitive function, and a supported immune balance due to a reduction of oxidative stress.

Beyond Long COVID, HBOT is known to support recovery in a variety of neurological and inflammatory conditions, including concussion, stroke, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune disorders.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the following conditions our clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized therapy plans to support your recovery.

• Persistent fatigue after minimal activity

• Brain fog

• Difficulty concentrating

• Muscle aches or joint pain

• Sleep disturbances or unrefreshing sleep

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are recommended for Long COVID?

Every patient’s recovery timeline is different, but most people start noticing improvements after a few sessions, where treatment frequency and pressure are customized after your initial assessment to match your needs and symptom profile.

2. Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?

Yes. HBOT is a non-invasive and well-researched treatment that’s been used safely for decades in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Side effects are rare and mild, limited to temporary ear pressure similar to what you feel on an airplane. Treatments are always supervised for your safety and comfort.

3. What does a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session feel like?

During a session, you’ll relax in a comfortable pressurized chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Most patients describe the experience as peaceful and calming. Many read, listen to music, or most commonly, especially with those who have been struggling with sleep, nap! Afterward, people often report feeling clear-headed and more energized.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or your particular condition, please feel free to call us at 404-671-8499, or reach out at info@YourBBRS.com. 

References

1. CDC. Long COVID Prevalence Estimates. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:161–166. 

2. Yong SJ. Persistent Brainstem Dysfunction in Long COVID: Hypoxia and Neuroinflammation Hypothesis. Front Neurosci. 2022;16:963875. 

3. Thom SR. Oxidative stress and angiogenesis in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. J Appl Physiol. 2009.

4. Zilberman-Itskovich S, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-COVID-19 condition improves cognition and symptoms. Sci Rep. 2023;13:1742. 

5. Kellner JD, et al. Long-term benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Long COVID: one-year follow-up. Front Neurol. 2024. 

6. Yale Medicine. Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Treat Long COVID? 

7. PubMed. HBOT protocols in post-COVID fatigue syndrome. 

8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Benefits and Risks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.