Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to chronic inflammation, tissue injury, and impaired organ function. Research suggests that HBOT may help modulate inflammatory pathways that are commonly overactive in autoimmune conditions while supporting tissue repair in areas affected by chronic inflammation. Studies have demonstrated reductions in inflammatory markers, improvements in disease activity scores, and enhanced healing of damaged tissues in several autoimmune disorders. HBOT has also been associated with changes in immune cell behavior, including effects on cytokines and regulatory immune responses that may help restore a more balanced immune system.

In diseases characterized by chronic tissue hypoxia and inflammation, improvements in tissue oxygenation have been linked to reductions in disease severity and symptom burden. Clinical research has reported benefits in conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and refractory inflammatory complications associated with autoimmune disorders. While HBOT is generally considered an adjunctive therapy rather than a replacement for standard autoimmune treatments, the available evidence suggests it may be a valuable supportive option for patients.

PET imaging showing a glioblastoma

Research

The studies provided are only a small sample of research available on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy