How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Inflammation in Crohn’s Disease
A New Study Reveals How HBOT Reduces Inflammation Associated With Crohn’s Disease
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is making waves in the medical community. Particularly for its potential to treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease. A recent study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) sheds light on how HBOT can ameliorate intestinal and systemic inflammation by modulating the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in Crohn’s disease.
Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. This process increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. This, in turn, restores normal levels of blood gases and tissue function to promote healing and fight infection. Traditionally used for decompression sickness in divers, HBOT is now being explored for various medical conditions. Those conditions include chronic wounds, radiation injuries, and inflammatory diseases.
The Study’s Aim
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of HBOT on gut microbiota and inflammation in a mouse model of Crohn’s disease. Researchers wanted to determine if HBOT could not only reduce inflammation but also modulate the gut microbiota. This gut microbiota is often disrupted in Crohn’s patients—a condition known as dysbiosis.
Key Findings
- Reduction in Intestinal Inflammation: The study found that HBOT significantly reduced intestinal inflammation. Mice treated with HBOT showed lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling proteins that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.
- Systemic Inflammation Alleviated: Besides intestinal benefits, HBOT also reduced systemic inflammation. This is particularly important as Crohn’s disease can affect other parts of the body, leading to complications beyond the gut.
- Modulation of Gut Microbiota: One of the standout findings was HBOT’s ability to modulate gut microbiota. The treatment corrected the imbalance in gut bacteria, fostering a healthier microbiome. This is crucial since a balanced gut microbiota plays a significant role in overall health and immune function.
- Enhanced Gut Barrier Function: The integrity of the gut barrier, which prevents harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream, was improved with HBOT. This helps in reducing the risk of systemic inflammation and other complications.
Implications for Crohn’s Disease Treatment
The study’s findings are promising for Crohn’s disease patients. Here’s why HBOT could be a game-changer:
- Non-Invasive Treatment: HBOT offers a non-invasive alternative to conventional treatments, which often involve medications with significant side effects or invasive surgeries.
- Comprehensive Approach: By addressing both local (intestinal) and systemic inflammation, HBOT provides a more comprehensive treatment approach.
- Gut Health Restoration: Modulating the gut microbiota can have far-reaching effects on a patient’s overall health, potentially reducing the recurrence of Crohn’s disease flares.
Conclusion: A Promising Future
While more research is needed to translate these findings from animal models to human patients, the potential of HBOT in managing Crohn’s disease is undeniable. This study opens up new avenues for treatment, offering hope to many who struggle with this chronic and often debilitating condition.
At MD Hyperbaric, we are committed to providing cutting-edge treatments like HBOT to improve the quality of life for our patients. If you or a loved one is battling Crohn’s disease, consider exploring hyperbaric oxygen therapy as part of your treatment plan.
FAQs
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues and promoting healing.
How does HBOT help with Crohn’s disease?
HBOT reduces both intestinal and systemic inflammation and modulates the gut microbiota, helping restore gut health and function.
Is HBOT safe?
Yes, HBOT is generally safe when administered by trained professionals. However, like all medical treatments, it comes with potential risks and side effects that should be discussed with your doctor.
Can HBOT cure Crohn’s disease?
While HBOT is not a cure, it can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life by reducing inflammation and promoting gut health.
How long does an HBOT session last?
A typical HBOT session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the specific protocol used.
Explore more about the potential benefits of HBOT for Crohn’s disease by visiting our website or scheduling a consultation with our experts at MD Hyperbaric.
Link to the HBOT study on Crohn’s Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11137967/
What Our Patients Say
Real Patients. Real Results
Post-Surgical Recovery“Getting HBOT helped me a lot with my wound healing. I noticed my scars remarkably lightened. My mood and energy levels improved as well in just three weeks of getting two sessions each week — despite my demanding work schedule, I felt like I had more energy.”Namae
Inflammatory Bowel Disease“I was prescribed HBOT by my specialist to treat a complex and traumatic issue stemming from IBD and reconstructive GI surgeries. I did a full course and absolutely saw improvement right away. The staff are amazing, very professional and caring.”Kathleen
Injury Recovery“I broke my wrist playing tennis and came to MD Hyperbaric Westchester to help speed up my recovery. After a few sessions I have felt a tremendous improvement in energy, sleep — and my doctor says my wrist is healing remarkably well.”John
Cancer Adjunct“I'm a breast cancer survivor, and after radiation near my lungs, I thought this treatment might be useful. I can feel a difference in my breathing and cognition. I definitely recommend it if your body has gone through a traumatic experience.”Aziza
Wellness“I recently began using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at MD Hyperbaric, and it's been one of the most unique and impactful wellness treatments I've explored. I was drawn in by the potential benefits for anxiety, fatigue, and overall cellular repair, but I didn't expect it to feel this restorative — and my skin is glowing too!”Olesia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a proven treatment that enhances healing by flooding the body with oxygen. Used for over 100 years, it supports brain health, anti-aging, athletic recovery, and medical conditions by boosting oxygen in blood, tissues, and organs. Patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, accelerating recovery and promoting cellular repair.
HBOT is FDA-approved for 14 conditions like burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and non-healing wounds. Emerging research also supports its use for post-surgical recovery, brain injury, fatigue, inflammation, athletic recovery, and anti-aging. Our medical team will assess if HBOT is right for you.
Yes, HBOT is safe when properly supervised. At MD Hyperbaric, treatments are protocol-driven, medically overseen, and administered by certified staff. Our Medical Director and onsite Safety Director ensure every session is carefully monitored, and we continuously update our protocols based on the latest research to prioritize patient safety.
Typically, most treatment sessions are approximately 60 minutes, though some conditions may require up to 90 or 120 minutes. Pressurization and depressurization may add about 20 minutes to the appointment, so you should plan for about 90 minutes for your visit.
The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Some patients may benefit from a few sessions, while others may require a more extended treatment plan. A typical protocol will involve 10-40 daily sessions to build up oxygen in the cells. Our Medical Director will recommend a specific treatment plan to address your goals and needs.
Prior to treatment, please try to avoid alcohol or carbonated drinks. It is best to avoid smoking and other tobacco products during your treatment period, as they may interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen. Otherwise, there are no restrictions for food or activity before or after your treatment. We encourage you to have healthy meals and stay hydrated.
Most patients find HBOT sessions relaxing. You will rest comfortably in a 7.5-foot-long steel chamber, breathing 100% pure oxygen through a mask. During pressurization and depressurization, you may feel pressure changes similar to airplane travel. A trained technician will monitor you throughout the session.
The term "dive" is used because the process simulates the experience of a deep-sea dive in a pressurized environment. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has deep roots in diving as an important therapy for treating divers experiencing decompression sickness.
At MD Hyperbaric, we use the FDA-cleared OxyHealth Fortius420, a spacious hard-shell chamber delivering 100% medical-grade oxygen via mask. It operates up to 3.0 ATA, allows tailored pressures, supports air breaks, and includes three windows for comfort and safety.
At MD Hyperbaric, we use hard-shell chambers that deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen at higher pressures for superior therapeutic benefits. Soft-shell chambers operate at lower pressures without medical-grade oxygen, making them less effective for medical treatment.
Our team will assess your medical history and specific circumstances through an intake process. An initial evaluation with certified staff and the Medical Director will determine your eligibility for HBOT.
No referral is needed. Our Medical Director will review your intake forms and prescribe HBOT if appropriate. If you have a prescription from a provider, we will coordinate with them. For serious health conditions, we may recommend getting clearance from your physician.
Some MD Hyperbaric centers accept insurance for certain on-label conditions — the FDA-recognized indications for which HBOT is an established standard of care. Whether insurance applies depends on your diagnosis, your plan, and the center you visit, so please contact your local center to confirm. Where insurance does not apply, HBOT is a self-pay treatment: most FSA/HSA plans allow reimbursement, and we can provide a superbill and receipt to help you submit a claim.
It depends on how you pay. For insurance-covered treatment at participating centers, your cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance — the center verifies your benefits and explains expected costs before treatment begins. For self-pay treatment, we offer a variety of pricing options designed to suit different medical and financial needs, including pay-as-you-go and package options at reduced rates when purchased upfront. Please contact us to discuss pricing and options. We accept cash, credit, or check.