How hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help those with asthma
Learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help people suffering from asthma
Asthma, also called Bronchial asthma, is a lung disease that occurs when the airways have become swollen, narrow, and obstructed by excess mucus. Asthma is considered an ongoing chronic lung disease that currently affects more than 25 million people in the U.S. Among the 25 million people affected, this includes more than 5 million children. [1]
Although this disease can’t be cured, the symptoms can be managed. Asthma patients can suffer from a variety of symptoms that can change over time, so it’s important to update your doctor when changes occur. Continue reading to learn more about asthma and how hyperbaric oxygen can help.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Typical symptoms of asthma include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest tightness or pain.
- Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children.
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.
- Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu. [2]
It’s also common for asthma flare-ups or triggers to occur as well. Depending on what activity or environment someone with asthma is in, the symptoms can be triggered by environmental changes. The environmental triggers include:
- Exercise-induced asthma can occur if the weather is too cold for the lungs.
- Occupational asthma can be triggered by workplace fumes, dust, or chemical irritants.
- Allergy-induced asthma is triggered by air pollutants, such as mold, pet dander, dust, or, most commonly, pollen.
How can hyperbaric oxygen help people living with asthma?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers several physiological effects that can provide relief to people suffering from asthma or allergies. People who have Asthma experience symptoms due to their inflamed airways. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation and swelling throughout the body.
Preliminary studies have also shown that levels of IgE, the antibody that mediates the immune response, are decreased by HBOT, which may reduce the magnitude of the allergic reaction. Although more studies are necessary, early data suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be therapeutic for those suffering from allergies and asthma. [3]
Anyone suffering from asthma can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy. HBOT has been studied and proven to reduce swelling in the body and ease inflammation, as well as increase oxygen levels that might have decreased from an asthma attack.
We’re here to support you!
At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we offer a caring and comfortable environment to heal our patients with all types of conditions, from asthma and anxiety disorders to diabetes and cancer.
Our top priority is ensuring comfort and care throughout your healing journey at our spa-like medical centers, conveniently located in southwest Orlando and New Smyrna Beach.
Our trained, caring team of hyperbaric specialists is ready to answer any questions. We welcome you to contact us today.
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