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Inflammatory Conditions
Off-label neurological conditions for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) include traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. These conditions involve various forms of brain damage or neurodegeneration, where HBOT's potential to increase oxygen delivery to the brain and promote neuroplasticity may offer benefits.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Description:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
How it occurs:
The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it’s believed to be the result of a defective immune system. A combination of genetic and environmental factors likely plays a role in its development. In IBD, the immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the end of the small intestine.
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Ulcerative colitis affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
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How HBOT Helps
How HBOT may help:
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Reduces inflammation in the intestinal mucosa
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Promotes healing of intestinal ulcers
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Improves tissue oxygenation
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Enhances the effectiveness of the immune system
What’s happening in the body:
The high-pressure oxygen environment created by HBOT helps reduce inflammation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulating anti-inflammatory factors. The increased oxygen levels promote the formation of new blood vessels in the damaged intestinal tissue, improving blood supply and accelerating healing. HBOT also enhances the oxygen-dependent killing mechanisms of white blood cells, helping to combat any bacterial overgrowth or infection associated with IBD.
Additional Information:
IBD is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. While conventional treatments can be effective, some patients experience refractory disease or significant side effects, making HBOT an interesting adjunctive therapy.
How HBOT Helps
How HBOT may help:
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Reduces joint inflammation and swelling
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Decreases pain and stiffness
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Improves synovial fluid oxygenation
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Enhances the effectiveness of medications
What’s happening in the body: The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the synovial fluid and joint tissues. The increased oxygen levels can help reduce oxidative stress in the joints, which is a key factor in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. HBOT may also enhance the effectiveness of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) by improving their delivery to affected joints. The overall result can be decreased joint pain, reduced swelling, and improved mobility for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Additional Information: Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1% of the world’s population. While there are effective treatments available, some patients continue to experience symptoms or side effects from medications. HBOT is being explored as a potential complementary therapy to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Description: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
How it occurs:
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Description:
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
How it occurs:
The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In SLE, the immune system produces antibodies against the body’s own tissues, leading to widespread inflammation and tissue damage.
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How HBOT Helps
How HBOT may help:
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Reduces systemic inflammation
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Improves tissue oxygenation
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Enhances immune system regulation
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May help manage skin manifestations of lupus
What’s happening in the body: HBOT’s anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the overall inflammatory burden in SLE patients. The increased oxygen levels may help improve the function of various organs affected by lupus. HBOT has also been shown to modulate the immune system, potentially helping to regulate the overactive immune response seen in SLE. For cutaneous lupus, the improved oxygenation and anti-inflammatory effects may help manage skin lesions.
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Additional Information: SLE is a complex disease that can be challenging to manage. While conventional treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing organ damage, HBOT is being investigated as a potential adjunctive therapy to help improve overall disease management and quality of life for SLE patients.
How HBOT Helps
How HBOT may help:
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Reduces inflammation
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Promotes tissue oxygenation
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Modulates pain perception
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Enhances blood flow
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Promotes neuroplasticity
What’s happening in the body: HBOT may help reduce inflammation in the affected area by modulating the immune response and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The increased oxygen levels may improve tissue oxygenation and blood flow, potentially addressing some of the vascular abnormalities seen in CRPS. HBOT’s ability to promote neuroplasticity could help modulate pain perception and processing in the central nervous system.
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Additional Information: Research on HBOT for CRPS is still in its early stages, but some studies have shown promising results. A case series by Katznelson et al. (2016) reported improvements in pain scores and function in CRPS patients treated with HBOT. Another study by Kiralp et al. (2004) found that HBOT combined with conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone in reducing pain and edema in CRPS patients. While these results are encouraging, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy and optimal treatment protocols for HBOT in CRPS.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Description:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb after an injury or trauma. It is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area.
How it occurs:
CRPS is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. It often develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack, but the pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
Symptoms include:
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Continuous burning or throbbing pain
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Sensitivity to touch or cold
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Swelling of the painful area
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Changes in skin temperature, color, or texture
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Changes in hair and nail growth
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Stiffness and problems with coordination
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References
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Rossignol DA. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and analysis. Med Gas Res. 2012;2(1):6. doi:10.1186/2045-9912-2-6
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Dulai PS, Gleeson MW, Taylor D, et al. Systematic review: The safety and efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;39(11):1266-1275. doi:10.1111/apt.12753
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Chen SY, Chen YC, Wang JK, et al. Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy attenuates disease severity in lupus-prone autoimmune (NZB×NZW) F1 mice. Clin Immunol. 2003;108(2):103-110. doi:10.1016/S1521-6616(03)00158-3
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Slade JB, Potts MV, Flower AM. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in rheumatic diseases: case reports and critical analysis. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2001;28(2):67-76.
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Katznelson R, Segal SC, Clarke H. Successful treatment of lower limb complex regional pain syndrome following three weeks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Pain Res Manag. 2016;2016:3458371. doi:10.1155/2016/3458371
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Kiralp MZ, Yildiz S, Vural D, et al. Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome. J Int Med Res. 2004;32(3):258-262. doi:10.1177/147323000403200304
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Efrati S, Golan H, Bechor Y, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can diminish fibromyalgia syndrome - prospective clinical trial. PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0127012. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0127012
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Atzeni F, Casale R, Alciati A, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of fibromyalgia: a prospective observational clinical study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2019;37 Suppl 116(1):63-69.