Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is now being studied as a way to help patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, the serious lung infection caused by COVID-19.
In this study, which was a randomized clinical trial, researchers set out to see how HBOT could help patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The increase in oxygen levels during the process of HBOT helps the body in a few important ways: it boosts oxygen in the bloodstream, improves the function of oxygen-starved tissues, and can reduce inflammation throughout the body. All of these effects are crucial for patients with severe pneumonia, where low oxygen levels and widespread inflammation are life-threatening challenges.
The researchers focused on key outcomes like blood gas levels (how well oxygen is being absorbed into the blood) and other biochemical markers that indicate the body’s oxygen supply and inflammatory response. By comparing patients who received HBOT with those who didn’t, the study aimed to find out if this therapy could make a significant difference. The theory is that with more oxygen available to tissues and a reduction in inflammation, patients could recover more quickly, avoiding the need for invasive treatments like mechanical ventilation.
For those interested in learning more about the study, the full article is available on PubMed here. The study provides a comprehensive look at the research methods, results, and the potential implications of using HBOT for critical respiratory illnesses like SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
