Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Lupus patients

Learn about the condition and how HBOT works to mitigate symptoms

 

It’s estimated that 204,000 people in the United States have lupus. [1] Although this chronic disease can affect anyone, it is more common in women. In fact, 9 out of every 10 people with lupus are women. [2] 

As a chronic, autoimmune disease, lupus can cause pain and inflammation throughout the body. With this disease, your immune system cannot defend itself from infections; instead, it targets and attacks your body’s healthy tissue, causing many symptoms and challenges that can be difficult to manage.

If you or someone you know is living with lupus, it’s crucial to investigate all possible treatment options to manage the disease and enhance quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising complementary treatment for lupus. Continue reading to learn how HBOT can be a valuable component of your lupus management plan, aiding in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

 

Lupus symptoms

Lupus can manifest in various ways, making it challenging to diagnose. Lupus is primarily known to affect your skin, joints, and internal organs, like your kidneys and heart. [3] A person with lupus may experience the following symptoms:

• Joint pain, sometimes with swelling, redness, and heat
• A red rash across the upper cheeks and bridge of the nose
• Extreme fatigue
• An unusual reaction to sunlight
• A red, scaly rash
• Small, usually painless sores inside the nose or mouth
• Chest pain when lying down or inhaling
• Swelling of feet and legs, weight gain
• Seizures or severe psychological symptoms
• Abnormalities in blood chemistry which show up in blood tests [4]

 

Identifying lupus can be lengthy, as its symptoms may resemble those of other conditions. An accurate diagnosis can take several months or even years. Healthcare providers will generally evaluate a combination of the patient’s symptoms, medical and family history to confirm a diagnosis. 

 

Lupus treatments

Although lupus has no cure, several treatment options focus on managing symptoms. Medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants help control inflammation. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, sun protection, and alternative therapies, can improve quality of life and support overall wellness. 

How HBOT can help

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is emerging as a promising complementary treatment for lupus. By delivering increased amounts of oxygen to the body, HBOT can help address key aspects of lupus, including: 

• Reducing inflammation 
• Improving blood flow
• Supporting immune function
• Enhancing tissue repair

 

Research has shown that HBOT is also incredibly beneficial for other autoimmune diseases, including: 

• Rheumatoid arthritis [5]
• Crohn’s disease [6]
• Raynaud’s [7]
• Diabetes [8]
• Multiple Sclerosis [9]
• Scleroderma [10]

 

Related resource: 
Lyme Disease: Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help?

 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers a valuable, non-invasive option for managing lupus and other autoimmune diseases. By addressing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting immune function, HBOT can enhance traditional treatments, improving the overall quality of life for individuals with lupus and similar conditions.

 

How we can help

At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we are here to support your healing journey. With our qualified team, highest safety standards, comfortable environment, and commitment to welcoming all patients, we prioritize you and ensure your needs are met throughout your experience at our Orlando and New Smyrna Beach HBOT centers. 

Our state-of-the-art Sechrist 3600 monoplane hyperbaric chambers are made of clear acrylic and equipped with streaming capabilities so you can relax and watch your favorite TV show during treatment.

Our team of hyperbaric specialists is ready to answer any questions you may have before undergoing treatment! We welcome you to contact us today.

 

Sources:
1: National Library of Medicine | Prevalence of Systemic lupus Erythematosus in the United States
2: Science Direct | Understanding the Epidemiology and Progression of Systemic lupus Erythematosus
3: Lupus Foundation of America | What is lupus?
4: Richmond Hyperbaric Health Center | Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Alternative Treatment for lupus Disease
5: National Library of Medicine | The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study
6: National Library of Medicine | Hyperbaric oxygen for perianal Crohn’s disease
7: National Library of Medicine | Potentiating the regional effect of hyperbaric oxygenation in Raynaud’s phenomenon
8: National Library of Medicine | A Systematic Review to Assess the Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Glycaemia in People with Diabetes Mellitus
9: ​​The New England Journal of Medicine | Hyperbaric-Oxygen Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis — A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study