Most bacteria-based diseases thrive better in a low oxygen environment. This helps them to produce toxins and other harmful chemicals that evade our immune system. Lyme disease is one of such bacterial infections which may be adequately treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). In this article, we would discuss the possible roles of HBOT in Lyme diseases and some of the common side effects associated with it.

What is hyperbaric chamber and how does it work for Lyme disease?

A hyperbaric chamber is a sealed, pressurized chamber in which an individual breathes pure oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This therapy, known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), is used to treat various medical conditions by delivering high concentrations of oxygen to tissues and cells throughout the body.

HBOT has been explored as a potential adjunctive treatment to help alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Lyme disease thrives in low-oxygen environments. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) saturates the body with pure oxygen which directly target the bacterium, inhibiting its growth and potentially aiding in its eradication.

Benefits of hyperbaric chamber for Lyme disease

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been explored for its potential benefits in managing Lyme disease. Some of the potential benefits of using a hyperbaric chamber for Lyme disease include:

1. Enhanced Oxygenation: Lyme disease can lead to tissue inflammation and damage, reducing oxygen supply to affected areas. HBOT increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream, promoting oxygen delivery to tissues and cells. This can help combat the microaerophilic nature of the Lyme bacterium and support immune function.
2. Boosted Immune Response: Oxygen is essential for immune function, and HBOT can enhance the activity of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting bacterial infections like Lyme disease. By bolstering the immune response, HBOT may help the body better combat the Lyme bacterium.
3. Reduction of Inflammation: Inflammation is a hallmark of Lyme disease, contributing to tissue damage and various symptoms. HBOT has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as joint pain and swelling.
4. Support for Antibiotic Therapy: HBOT may complement antibiotic therapy, which is the primary treatment for Lyme disease. By improving oxygenation and immune function, HBOT may enhance the efficacy of antibiotics in killing the Lyme bacterium and reducing the risk of persistent or recurrent infection.
5. Alleviation of Symptoms: HBOT has been reported to help alleviate symptoms associated with Lyme disease, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, joint pain, and neurological symptoms. By improving oxygenation and tissue repair, HBOT may contribute to symptom relief and enhance overall quality of life for individuals with Lyme disease.
6. Potential for Tissue Repair: HBOT promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and tissue regeneration, which may aid in repairing damaged tissues caused by Lyme disease infection.

Side effects of hyperbaric chamber for lyme disease

While Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects and risks associated with its use, including in the context of treating Lyme disease. Some possible side effects of HBOT for Lyme disease may include:

1. Barotrauma: Changes in pressure during HBOT sessions can cause discomfort or pain in the ears, known as ear barotrauma. This occurs due to pressure imbalances between the middle ear and the chamber environment.
2. Temporary Vision Changes: Some individuals may experience temporary changes in vision, such as myopia (nearsightedness), during or after HBOT sessions. These changes typically resolve once the sessions are completed.
3. Fatigue: HBOT sessions may be physically demanding for some individuals, particularly those undergoing multiple sessions over an extended period. Fatigue or tiredness may occur as a result of the treatment regimen.
4. Anxiety or Claustrophobia: Being confined in a pressurized chamber for an extended period may trigger feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia in some individuals. It’s essential to communicate any concerns or discomfort to the healthcare team to ensure a comfortable experience.
5. Allergic Reactions: Rarely, individuals may experience allergic reactions to materials used in the construction of the hyperbaric chamber or to the oxygen itself. Symptoms may include itching, rash, or difficulty breathing.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Fife, C.E., Eckert, K.A. (2017). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Chronic Lyme Disease: The Controversy and the Evidence. In: Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47140-2_15

Fife, C. E., Eckert, K. A., & Carter, M. J. (2016). An Update on the Appropriate Role for Hyperbaric Oxygen: Indications and Evidence. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 138(3), 107S. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000002714

Huang CY, Chen YW, Kao TH, Kao HK, Lee YC, Cheng JC, Wang JH. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an effective adjunctive treatment for chronic Lyme disease. J Chin Med Assoc. 2014 May;77(5):269-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2014.02.001. Epub 2014 Apr 13. PMID: 24726678.