COVID-19 Long Haul Recovery

Shorten the Long Haul, Reclaim Your Health

DISCLAIMER: The statements and information on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Studies, claims, and any other information provided in these documents by Holistic Hyperbarics are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to prescribe treatment. Protocol and results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have not been verified by the FDA and should be discussed with a medical doctor before beginning treatment.

Even though someone may test negative after a COVID-19 infection, many people continue to experience symptoms. These symptoms are considered “COVID-19 long haul” and can feel as if the infection never truly stopped, making day to day tasks difficult for months after you no longer have an active COVID-19 infection. At Holistic Hyperbarics, we have worked to help people experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 long haul recover. 


DISCLAIMER: Holistic Hyperbarics does not work with or provide care for active COVID-19 infections.If you are currently experiencing symptoms and/or are testing positive for COVID-19, we consider that an active case. Please contact your doctor for treatment options through your active case.

 

What is COVID-19 Long Haul?

COVID-19 Long haul syndrome is when a patient is experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 weeks or months after the initial onset of their COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 long haul can affect multiple different organs and organ systems. Symptoms can include but are not limited to coughing, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, headaches, muscle aches, chest and stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and brain fog after testing negative. For a comprehensive list of symptoms of COVID-19 long haul, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Post-COVID Conditions page linked here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

What causes symptoms of COVID-19 Long Haul?

Cytokine Storms - A cytokine storm (or hypercytokinemia) is an immune response where the body releases excessive proinflammatory cytokines into the bloodstream too quickly and plays a large part in the lasting damages caused by COVID-19 infections. While critically important in a normal immune reaction, too many cytokines released into the body at once can be harmful and cause widespread tissue damage. The antiviral qualities of high concentration oxygen in HBOT helps reverse many of the lasting effects caused by the storm. Repeated exposure to high concentration oxygen stimulates the production of virucidal free oxygen radicals, increasing the production of antiviral peptides such as defensins and cathelicidins. Ultimately, this reduces the remaining pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-1, which are responsible for cytokine storms. For more information about cytokine storms please visit, cancer.gov and frontiersin.org



 

How HBOT Helps reduce COVID-19 Long Haul symptoms

 
 

Increased Blood Oxygen Saturation - Under regular breathing conditions, oxygen predominantly saturates the red blood cells. But under hyperbaric conditions, the combination of high flow oxygen and increased pressure oxygenates the blood plasma, allowing more oxygen to circulate through the tissue. Additionally, HBOT stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in oxygen starved tissue, allowing oxygen saturated blood into those areas.

Reduces Inflammation - HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body after just one treatment. Relieving pressure on compromised blood vessels and, by extension, the vascular system as a whole, greatly increases circulation everywhere in the body and allows damaged tissues to heal.

 

Improved Lung Capacity - The lungs are the most impacted organ during and after a COVID-19 infection and are the first to battle the inflammatory effect of the cytokine storm. This stress on the lung tissue often causes shortness of breath and hypoxia. HBOT is able to reduce the inflammation in the lungs and increase blood flow/oxygenation helping to reduce shortness of breath and assist your body in recovering from pulmonary stress.

 

Reduces Hypoxic Symptoms - Hypoxia is a condition classified by a lack of oxygen saturating your tissue, therefore not allowing those tissues and organs to sustain bodily functions. It is a key symptom of COVID-19 as it is characterized by shortness of breath, restlessness, and confusion. HBOT saturates the blood plasma with oxygen, brings down infectious inflammation and pre-hypoxic damage, therefore allowing more oxygen saturated blood to reach and circulate throughout the tissue.

Reduces Brain Fog - The primary limiting factor for the brain to heal is oxygen. In a hyperbaric environment, brain cells are able to heal, improve their cellular metabolism and regenerate. As a result, brain fog is relieved and overall cognitive function can be restored.

 

Alleviate Endotheliitis and Inflammation - Hypoxia caused by COVID 19 can wreak havoc on organ function. Affected organs can quickly develop endotheliitis (an inflammatory immune response), resulting in a cascade of complications such as vasoconstriction, edema, and an increased risk of blood clots. HBOT is able to increase circulation and blood oxygen saturation therefore helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate endotheliitis.

 

Can Help Prevent Kidney Damage and Dysfunction - Cytokine storms negatively impact the kidneys of patients suffering with COVID-19 long haul. This inflammation is particularly harmful to patients with diabetes as well as those with a history of kidney complications. In rare cases, COVID-19 has lead to kidney failure in people with no genetic or personal history of kidney complications. HBOT supplies kidney tissues with the oxygen needed to rebuild damaged tissue and help prevent failure.

Improve Gastrointestinal Function - A healthy gastrointestinal (GI) system is home to trillions of microbes, but a viral infection can throw off the balance of the gut biome. Oxygen has been shown to help gut microbes rebound and restore the balance and function of the GI tract.

Reduces Skin Discoloration and Swelling - Some people experience swelling and discoloration primarily on their toes and their trunk. This rash is often referred to as “COVID toes” and is an inflammatory response to the cytokine storm. Studies have shown that HBOT can reduce rashes and the appearance of skin lesions. Additionally, it can also reduce UV sensitivity in the new skin after rashes heal.

Can Help Mitigate Psychological Stress - During the onset of COVID-19, many people were dismissed by the medical system despite showing clear symptoms of the virus. Far too many people’s symptoms progressed further than necessary. Many patients suffered psychological effects from inconsistent care and potentially a great loss of a loved one in addition to the physiological damage from COVID-19. Intubation is very taxing on the body and recovery can include side effects of disorientation, inattention, poorly organized movement, and degenerative cognitive effects. HBOT is able to help reduce some of these psychological stresses by delivering a high concentration of oxygen directly to the brain, allowing it to heal.

Is HBOT Right for Me?

When is HBOT appropriate to use?

If you are experiencing symptoms of long haul listed above, none of the contraindications listed below, and do not currently have an active COVID-19 infection, HBOT could be a powerful tool for your recovery. HBOT has been proven to help patients weeks and even months after the infection has subsided. Give us a call  at (510) 648-9496 if you have any questions, we are happy to answer any questions and discuss the details of your personal case.

What symptoms and conditions are contraindications?

Conditions

  • Asthma

  • Congenital Spherocytosis

  • Emphysema with CO2 retention

  • High fevers: Fevers above 38.5ºC (around 101-102ºF )

  • History of middle-ear surgery or disorders:

  • History of seizures

  • Optic Neuritis

  • Pneumothorax

  • Chest trauma or thoracic surgery

  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

  • Viral Infections

Medications

  • Cisplatinum

  • Disulphiram (Antabuse

  • Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

You may consider rescheduling your visit in the chamber if you are suffering from any of the above conditions. These conditions are less frequent but may be a risk to your health. Please consult your doctor before booking an appointment. For more information about more contraindications, please visit the “A word of caution” section of our FAQ page.

 

What can I expect after my first session?

Often patients experience discomfort or a worsening of their symptoms following their first hyperbaric session due to a large influx of oxygen. This is common and is partially due to your body receiving a sharp increase of oxygen after being starved of it for an extended period of time. In our clinic we have seen that this discomfort normally subsides within 1-2 hyperbaric sessions. However, if you are continuing to feel discomfort please inform us so we can discuss the best ways we can acclimate you to our chambers.

Benefits of Supplemental Oxygen before using Hyperbaric Chambers

We often see that patients who come into our clinic for their COVID 19 Long Haul symptoms need to ease into hyperbaric treatment. For some of our patients, slowly introducing the body to a higher level of oxygen before getting into a hyperbaric chamber can help your body to heal and prepare for HBOT sessions. At Holistic Hyperbarics we offer a supplemental oxygen service administered outside of our chambers before beginning your hyperbaric protocol to help your body acclimate. 

Planning Your HBOT Journey

  • Step 1 -  Call or text us at (510) 648-9496 to schedule your first session. 

    • Holistic Hyperbarics identifies your COVID-19 case as “long haul” 21 days after onset of symptoms, AND you are no longer experiencing fevers. This is when we can safely and effectively start your hyperbaric journey. For more questions about CDC recommendations, please visit the CDC website to learn more.

  • Step 2 - Come in for your first session and assessment. 

    • We recommend one to three supplemental oxygen sessions before your first session in a chamber. This may change depending on your specific journey. You will be assessed by our technicians and medical staff to determine if/how many supplemental oxygen sessions you will require before entering the chamber.

    • If we determine you do not need supplemental oxygen, you can immediately begin your hyperbaric sessions.

  • Step 3 - Complete all recommended hyperbaric sessions and assessments

  • Step 4 - If symptoms persist after your initial recommended sessions, please contact us so that we can adjust your protocol. 

“When I went into Holistic Hyperbarics, I just had an open mind. I told myself, I’m going to try it, and I’m going to see how it goes. I had COVID-19 in April. When I went into the clinic, I did have a little bit of anxiety going into the chamber. But afterwards, I felt like I could breathe again.”

- Jeannette (HH COVID-19 Long Haul Recovery Patient)

 

It felt like my whole system just had this reboot, like I was myself again, and active. I didn’t feel it in the first session. I felt the difference after the third session. I was like ‘Wow, this is how normal people feel’, because I had forgotten how it felt to be normal. The first thing that I noticed was that I was able to read a book to my daughter. Before that point, the focus was not there. I couldn’t think about anything but just sort of surviving in the moment of just making food, eating, and getting to bed. But on those days, I was reading to her, I was playing with her, and it just felt amazing to be able to have my life back and invest in her again. It just relieves so much pain. The science, I don’t know much about all of it, but what I do know is that my joints felt better, my back, and my GI among other things. In the chamber, I had just positive results” - Jeannette (HH COVID-19 Long Haul Recovery Patient)

DISCLAIMER: Holistic Hyperbarics does not work with or provide care for active COVID-19 infections.If you are currently experiencing symptoms and/or are testing positive for COVID-19, we consider that an active case. Please contact your doctor for treatment options through your active case. 

The statements and information on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Studies, claims, and any other information provided in these documents by Holistic Hyperbarics are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to prescribe treatment. Protocol and results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have not been verified by the FDA and should be discussed with a medical doctor before beginning treatment.

Please click here for a list of studies on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for COVID-19 Long Haul Recovery