Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. It is a well-established treatment for decompression sickness, wounds that are not healing, and burns. In recent years, HBOT has been used as an alternative treatment for autism. In this article, we will explore the use of HBOT for autism, its benefits, research, and studies.
HBOT for autism involves lying in a hyperbaric chamber and breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. The idea behind this therapy is that autism is associated with inflammation and a lack of oxygen in the brain. By using a hyperbaric chamber to quickly force large quantities of oxygen into the body, it is believed that some of the characteristics of autism can be reduced.
HBOT has shown great potential in healing or reducing cognitive and mobility decline symptoms, such as in autism and old age
Research has shown that HBOT can help reduce oxidative stress associated with autism
By increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide, HBOT helps to reduce inflammation and improve cognition and movement.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of HBOT for autism. In a 2009 multicenter, double-blind study, 62 children with autism between the ages of 2-7 years were treated with HBOT. After 40 HBOT sessions, the children showed significant improvement in overall function, receptive language, social interaction, and eye contact.
A large-scale review found no evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps with any characteristics of autism.
However, a new study directly shows hyperbaric oxygen’s effects on children with autism spectrum disorders. In the study published in bmc Pediatr treatment for children, they found that treating autism using hyperbaric oxygen therapy led to a reduction of inflammation and improved cognition and movement.
Hyperbaric oxygen anti-aging therapy
While HBOT has shown great potential in treating autism, there are some cautions and considerations to keep in mind. The therapy session should not go beyond two hours, and the pressure in the chamber must be less than three times that of the normal pressure outside the chamber. The treatment is a risk if the individual has lung diseases or a history of a collapsed lung. HBOT is not advised when the patient has flu, cold, or has had a recent ear surgery.