Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a Promising Treatment for Long COVID – Early Results from the UK

The study investigates the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment for Long COVID. Findings suggest that HBOT may alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, breathing difficulties, and cognitive impairment. Improvements in tissue oxygenation and cellular regeneration were also observed. The study concludes that HBOT could represent a promising therapeutic intervention for Long COVID patients, though further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy and safety.

Long COVID: The Challenge

Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, concentration difficulties, and reduced performance after acute COVID-19, poses a major challenge for many people. To date, there are few effective treatment options available.

The Study: HBOT in Long COVID Patients

A UK study was among the first to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT in Long COVID. Ten patients with pronounced Long COVID symptoms received ten HBOT sessions over a 12-day period. Treatment consisted of sessions at 2.4 bar with pure oxygen inhalation and short air breaks.

Key Findings

Marked improvement in fatigue:
Participants showed a significant reduction in fatigue after just ten sessions, measured by the Chalder Fatigue Scale, with a very large effect size (p=0.0059; d=1.75).

Enhanced cognitive function:
Improvements were observed in general cognition, executive function (e.g., planning), attention, information processing, and verbal skills—each with large to very large effect sizes.

Rapid onset of effect:
Symptom relief was noted within a short period and after only a few treatments.

Study Evaluation

Although this was a small, early-stage investigation with only ten participants, the findings provide important insights: HBOT could be a rapid and effective method for significantly improving fatigue and cognitive complaints in Long COVID.

Original Study on PubMed
You can find the full scientific details here:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of long COVID: early evaluation of a highly promising intervention (PubMed ID: 34862223)

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows great potential in alleviating Long COVID symptoms—particularly severe fatigue and cognitive impairments. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these promising results and to optimize treatment protocols.

⚠️ Important: Always consult with your physician to determine whether HBOT is suitable and safe in your individual case.