Long Covid treatment Brisbane
If you’re dealing with Long Covid, you’re not alone. While no single treatment has been proven to “cure” Long Covid, some early studies suggest hyperbaric oxygen therapy might help improve symptoms for some people. Let’s dive into what we know – and don’t know.
Long Covid treatment Brisbane
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid happens when symptoms from a Covid-19 infection stick around for months after the initial illness has passed. These symptoms can include:
- Fatigue – Feeling exhausted all the time, no matter how much you rest.
- Brain fog – Struggling to think clearly or focus, forgetting things easily.
- Breathing problems – Getting winded just walking up stairs.
- Other symptoms – Like chest pain, depression, or sleep issues.
Doctors don’t fully understand why Long Covid happens. It seems to be connected to ongoing inflammation (the body’s way of trying to heal) and low oxygen levels in certain parts of the body, which make it harder for people to recover fully.
What is HBOT and how might it help?
HBOT is a treatment where you sit in a pressurised chamber and breathe pure oxygen. This is not the same as just breathing regular air or using an oxygen tank at home. In the chamber, the extra oxygen reaches parts of your body that might not be getting enough. Here’s how it might help Long Covid:
- Reduces inflammation: When parts of your body are inflamed, they don’t work as well. HBOT helps calm this down.
- Supports energy production: Cells in your body need oxygen to make energy. If they don’t get enough, you feel tired. HBOT gives these cells a boost.
- Improves blood flow: It helps your blood carry oxygen to areas that might have been damaged by the virus.
What do studies say?
Some early studies have shown promising results:
Patients have reported clearer thinking, more energy, and better sleep after HBOT. Small trials have found that people with symptoms like fatigue or brain fog often see improvements after several sessions in the oxygen chamber. For example, in a study of 73 patients, those treated with HBOT showed better brain function, sleep, and energy compared to a control group.
However, these studies are still early. Not all scientists or doctors agree on HBOT’s role in treating Long Covid, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Dr Sandra Wainwright, a physician in the US who has been treating patients with Long Covid, has shared her observations on HBOT. Using straightforward techniques, such as measuring oxygen levels and heart rate after physical exertion, she has noted improvements in symptoms like brain fog and fatigue among her patients. You can read more about her practical approach and patient experiences here.
Is this a guaranteed Long Covid treatment?
No, and that’s important to know. HBOT is not officially approved as a Long Covid treatment, and it’s considered “off-label,” meaning it’s used in a way not yet formally recognised for this condition. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t help – it just means we need more proof.
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), a global authority on HBOT, acknowledges that the research on using HBOT for Long Covid is still emerging. While early studies show promise, they stress that further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and establish it as a standard treatment.
What should you keep in mind?
- It’s safe when done correctly: HBOT is very safe when performed in certified medical facilities by trained professionals. Avoid “soft-sided” or portable chambers often found in non-medical settings. Wesley Hyperbaric is the first and largest fully accredited day hospital providing a comprehensive hyperbaric facility in Brisbane, Australia. We adhere to national and international hyperbaric medicine safety guidelines, ensuring all patients are treated in approved chambers under medical supervision.
- Talk to your doctor: If you’re curious about HBOT, speak with your GP. They can help you decide if it’s right for you.
- Costs and insurance: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) coverage varies depending on the condition:
- Covered by Medicare and Private Health Insurance: Conditions like Soft Tissue Radiation Injury (STRI), Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL), Non-Healing Diabetic Wounds (NHDW), Chronic Wounds, and Xerostomia.
- Out-of-Pocket: Emerging indications, such as Long COVID, are not yet officially recognised and are typically self-funded.
Treatment for Long Covid Brisbane
HBOT and Long Covid: the bottom line
HBOT isn’t a magical cure, but it could offer hope for some people struggling with Long Covid symptoms. We’re sharing this because the early data shows potential, and we believe you deserve to know about all the options being explored. If you’re interested, speak to your GP or reach out to us at Wesley Hyperbaric for more information.
Remember, recovery is different for everyone. You’re not alone in this, and there are people and resources here to help.
Your journey starts with these 3 steps
When you have completed your hyperbaric sessions, your condition is reassessed by one of our doctors.