Covid-19

What is Long COVID?

While most people recover from COVID-19 within weeks, some continue to experience symptoms for months. This condition—often called Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)—can affect multiple organ systems.

 

Common Long COVID symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue

• Brain fog and memory issues

• Headaches and dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Sleep disturbances

• Mood changes such as anxiety or depression

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The exact causes aren’t fully understood, but researchers believe Long COVID may involve persistent inflammation, blood vessel damage, oxygen delivery problems, and impaired cellular energy production (NIH, 2023).

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What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure inside a specialized chamber. At these pressures, oxygen dissolves more deeply into the bloodstream and tissues, providing therapeutic benefits beyond what normal breathing can achieve.

 

HBOT is already FDA-approved for several conditions, including:

 

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Radiation tissue damage

• Diabetic foot ulcers

• Decompression sickness

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In recent years, researchers have been studying HBOT as a potential supportive therapy for conditions involving inflammation and neurological dysfunction—including Long COVID.

 

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How HBOT May Help with Long COVID

1. Improves Brain Function (Brain Fog & Memory): Clinical research shows HBOT stimulates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new pathways and repair itself. In Long COVID patients, this may reduce brain fog and improve memory, focus, and executive function (Zilberman-Itskovich et al., Scientific Reports, 2022).

 

 

2. Reduces Inflammation: HBOT has been shown to decrease inflammatory markers and support blood vessel healing, which may help with ongoing fatigue and body aches often reported in Long COVID (Heyboer et al., Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine, 2017).

 

 

3. Boosts Cellular Energy: By improving mitochondrial function—the “powerhouses” of our cells—HBOT helps restore normal energy production. This can counteract the exhaustion and exercise intolerance common in Long COVID patients.

 

 

4. Enhances Oxygen Delivery: Damage to small blood vessels may limit oxygen supply in Long COVID. HBOT increases oxygen levels in tissues up to 10–15 times normal, helping the body repair and regenerate.

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What the Research Says

• Randomized Controlled Trial (Israel, 2022): Patients with Long COVID who received 40 HBOT sessions over two months showed significant improvements in cognitive performance, energy, and quality of life compared to controls (Zilberman-Itskovich et al., Scientific Reports).

• Case Studies & Ongoing Trials: Clinics worldwide are reporting patient improvements in sleep, mood, and lung function with HBOT as part of post-COVID recovery.

• Not Yet FDA-Approved for Long COVID: While evidence is promising, HBOT for Long COVID is considered an emerging therapy. More large-scale studies are underway.

 

 

What to Expect During HBOT Your HBOT Protocol

• Session length: 60–90 minutes at depth

• Frequency: Often 5 days per week

• Course: 10–40 sessions, depending on individual need

 

Side effects are generally mild but can include temporary ear pressure or sinus discomfort. Serious complications are rare when utilizing with a trained HBOT technician and facility.

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Is HBOT Right for Long COVID Patients?

If you’re experiencing lingering symptoms after COVID-19, HBOT may provide relief. It is especially worth exploring if you have:

 

• Persistent fatigue

• Cognitive difficulties (memory, brain fog)

• Shortness of breath or low energy

 

At Revival Hyperbarics in South Jordan, Utah, we offer personalized consultations to determine whether HBOT could be a supportive part of your recovery journey.

 

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Key Takeaways

Long COVID can be life-altering, but there is hope. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has shown promising results in reducing inflammation, improving brain function, restoring energy, and supporting recovery in Long COVID patients. While more research is underway, early studies and patient experiences suggest HBOT may play a powerful role in healing.

 

If you’d like to learn more about how HBOT can support your recovery, contact Revival Hyperbarics today to schedule a consultation.

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