Introduction
Approximately 50 million individuals worldwide experience long COVID, representing 10-20% of those initially infected. The WHO defines long COVID as symptom persistence or emergence three months post-infection, lasting at least two months without alternative explanations.
Key Symptoms Addressed
Patients experience dyspnea, cough, fatigue, cognitive impairments, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, palpitations, postural tachycardia syndrome, and rashes extending beyond 12 weeks.
Pathophysiology of Long COVID
Long COVID's underlying mechanisms remain unclear but may involve dysregulated T-cell activation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombotic disease.
HBOT Mechanism of Action
HBOT increases oxygen pressure, inducing the "Hyperoxic-Hypoxic Paradox," which enhances antioxidant production, modulates immune cytokines, and mobilizes stem cells for tissue repair.
Clinical Evidence
Eight published studies have been reviewed, demonstrating significant improvements in cognitive function, fatigue, cardiopulmonary function, and quality of life with HBOT treatment for long COVID patients.
Potential Treatment Options
The review examines anti-inflammatory agents, cognitive-behavioral therapy, rehabilitation programs, and HBO, noting that targeted symptom approaches show promising efficacy. Pharmacological options include beta-blockers and low-dose naltrexone.
Conclusion
HBOT is recognized as a safe treatment modality with potential benefits addressing long COVID's multifaceted pathophysiology. Continued research exploration is recommended to fully establish its role in post-COVID recovery.