IBD Brisbane

Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy help with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not currently a standard treatment for IBD but is being explored as a potential adjuvant therapy. By increasing oxygen delivery to inflamed gut tissue, HBOT may help reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve quality of life.

IBD Brisbane

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a lifelong condition where the digestive system becomes inflamed, leading to pain, discomfort, and digestive issues. There are two main types:
Crohn’s disease – Can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus, often causing deep ulcers, strictures, and fistulas.
Ulcerative colitis – Affects only the large intestine, causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the bowel.
IBD is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the gut, leading to persistent inflammation. This can cause symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), weight loss, fatigue, and poor absorption of nutrients.

How common is IBD in Australia?

Australia has one of the highest rates of IBD in the world, with 180,000 Australians* living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The number of cases continues to rise, particularly among young adults. Many people with IBD need ongoing medication, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgery to manage their condition.

*https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au

Standard treatments for IBD

Most people with IBD are treated with a combination of:

Anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids and aminosalicylates.
Immunosuppressants and biologics to control the immune response.
Surgery in severe cases, which can involve removing sections of the bowel.

While these treatments can help manage symptoms, they don’t work for everyone, and some people experience repeated flare-ups or require surgery. This is where hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is showing promise.

How can hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) help?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves sitting in a pressurised chamber while breathing 100% oxygen. This is different from simply inhaling normal air or using an oxygen concentrator at home. The increased pressure helps deliver oxygen more effectively to areas of the body that may be lacking it. HBOT is already used to help chronic wounds, radiation injuries, and infections, but researchers are now exploring its benefits for people with IBD.

Why is oxygen therapy relevant for IBD?

One of the key issues in IBD (but not the only one) is hypoxia, meaning parts of the gut don’t get enough oxygen. When the intestine is inflamed, blood flow is reduced, making it harder for gut lining cells to maintain a protective barrier. This ongoing damage worsens inflammation and makes it easier for harmful bacteria to grow, triggering even more immune responses.

Early research suggests HBOT may help:

Reduce inflammation – By supporting immune system regulation and reducing oxidative stress.
Support gut healing – By improving oxygenation in damaged intestinal tissue.
Improve blood flow – By encouraging the formation of new blood vessels in affected areas.
Influence gut bacteria – Though more studies are needed to understand its long-term effects.

What does the research say?

Several studies have looked at HBOT for people with severe IBD and those with complications from Crohn’s disease.

HBOT and severe ulcerative colitis

A clinical trial led by Dr Parambir Dulai suggests that HBOT may help reduce rectal bleeding and inflammation in some hospitalised patients with severe ulcerative colitis. In this study, around 50% of participants showed improvement within five days, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11599782/

HBOT and Crohn’s disease fistulas

Crohn’s disease can cause fistulas, which are abnormal tunnels that form between the intestine and other parts of the body, leading to pain and infections. Studies have shown that up to 80% of Crohn’s patients with perianal fistulas experienced significant healing after HBOT, far better than what is typically seen with medication alone.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10287057/

Long-term benefits

The research suggests that the benefits of HBOT can last for months after treatment, reducing the need for hospital stays and surgery. However, more studies are needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness.

How many HBOT sessions are needed?

The number of HBOT sessions depends on the severity of the condition:

Ulcerative colitis flares – Typically involves five daily sessions (90 minutes each) at a pressure of 2.4 atmospheres.
Crohn’s disease (fistulas and post-surgery healing) – Requires 20–30 sessions over 4–6 weeks for deep tissue repair.

Is HBOT safe?

Yes, when done under medical supervision, HBOT is very safe. The most common side effect is ear barotrauma (pressure changes in the ears, similar to flying in an aeroplane). Some people may experience mild, temporary vision changes. Serious side effects are very rare.

Where is HBOT available in Australia?

While HBOT is widely used across various medical fields, including wound healing, radiation injury recovery and decompression sickness, its use for IBD is still emerging. Some private clinics and hospitals, including Wesley Hyperbaric in Brisbane, offer HBOT for off-label use.

“At Wesley Hyperbaric, we provide HBOT under strict medical supervision and accept referrals from GPs and specialists. Our clinic is Australia’s largest private hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility, and we work closely with doctors to ensure patients receive the best care.”

Assoc Prof Susannah Sherlock

Medical Director at Wesley Hyperbaric

Medicare currently does not cover HBOT for IBD, but private health funds may offer some reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurer to see if you’re covered.

IBD treatment Brisbane

What’s next for HBOT and IBD?

A large international clinical trial, funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), is currently underway to confirm whether HBOT should become a standard treatment for ulcerative colitis. If results are positive, we may see wider availability and potential Medicare coverage in the future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with IBD and looking for alternative options, speak to a healthcare professional about whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be suitable. Wesley Hyperbaric is here to help – contact us to learn more.

Your journey starts with these 3 steps

Step 1

Once you have your referral from your GP or specialist, contact our Brisbane clinic to book a consultation with one of our doctors.

Step 2

If you are eligible for HBOT, your treatment plan is scheduled and your HBOT journey can start.

Step 3

When you have completed your hyperbaric sessions, your condition is reassessed by one of our doctors.