The novel coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, has been responsible for one of the deadliest pandemics known in human history. This highly contagious virus has changed the lifestyle of people around the world.
This highly infectious and deadly virus is hard to detect at home as 85% of the people remain asymptomatic. However, there are cases where the patient showed symptoms of multiple end-organ dysfunctions and hypoxaemic respiratory failure.
Even though the whole world is trying to find the perfect cure for this severe acute respiratory syndrome, there is still no definitive treatment. Furthermore, invented vaccines are limited too. Thus, finding the right supportive measures are one of the most vital strategies to safeguard people from this virus.
As numerous supportive measures have failed to improve the oxygenation for different groups of people, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be one of the suggested supportive therapies.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 comes with the symptoms of generic flues, and that has increased the difficulty of tracing the infected ones. These symptoms include fever, cough, and tiredness. However, pain, sore throat, loss of smell, and taste have been reported by many symptomatic patients.
Furthermore, this virus caused a rapid decrease in the oxygen levels (SPOC2) in the blood. Chest pain and difficulties in breathing have been seen too.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of the methods to increase the oxygen levels in the body using a pressurized chamber where pure oxygen is released for the patient to breathe in.
There are numerous benefits of this treatment and is used regularly to counter a number of health conditions.. Furthermore, it is also a great way to heal selective diseases in non-invasive methods.
Here are some proven benefits that have made Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy one of the most trusted methods of treating diseases;
Helps in Reducing Swelling and Pain
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is widely used for helping people to recover from their injuries. Many sportsmen even used it to enhance their skills and increase the longevity of their physical fitness.
Boosts White Blood Cell
White blood cells are one of the major contributors to strengthen the immune system of our body. Different types of white blood cells fight diseases and infections.
In a hypoxic condition, the shortage of oxygen levels reduces the functionality of the white blood cells and they slowly diminish.
Inside the HBOT chambers, the patients breathe pure oxygen, which in turn increases the activities of white blood cells that aids in boosting the immune systems.
It is a great way to provide the patient much-required support during the unidentified diseases.
Increases Oxygenation
Oxygen is vital for human survival. There are many detrimental effects when the oxygen levels in the blood decreases. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is renowned for increasing the oxygen level and enhancing our body’s natural healing technique.
The HBOT chambers not only help patients to breathe pure oxygen but the higher atmospheric pressure inside ensures your blood and other body fluids carries additional oxygen through the body to stimulate the release of substances that increases recovery rate and promote healing.
Reduces Tissue Inflammation
HBOT is known to reduce tissue inflammation as there are highly pressurized pure oxygen molecules induced inside the chamber.
It has been seen that severely ill patients are in danger of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Even though very little data is available, HBOT can be an ideal support for such situations.
How to Monitor Patients in HBOT Chambers?
Even if we consider the symptoms of COVID-19 and the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, there has to be some monitoring system. The changes need to be recorded and steps need to be taken to save the life of a patient.
Inside the chambers, a routine check-up is possible through pulse-oximetry, temperature monitoring systems, and electrocardiogram. Doctors can also use non-invasive blood pressure monitoring systems on the patient.
These chambers are built for supporting the patient and helping them recover. Thus, installing monitoring systems won’t be a big problem for medical professionals.
Trained personnel can easily administer the patients with ease. Moreover, these chambers do not restrict other therapies used during the treatment of a COVID-infected patient.
Conclusion
COVID-19 is an unforeseen threat to humanity. Despite the significant growth of the medical industry, innovations, and infrastructure, this virus has managed to cause tremendous harm.
There are authorities involved in manufacturing the right vaccine but there numerous factors associated with the delivery.
Just like ICUs have been used to provide the right care for COVID patients. It is also an ideal ventilatory strategy as there are fewer chances of viral aerosolization.
If more studies are conducted, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can emerge as a promising addition as supportive therapy to help patients.
