Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people around the world have faced not only the immediate threat of the virus but also its lasting consequences. For many, recovery does not end once the initial infection subsides. Instead, they continue to experience ongoing symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even years—a condition known as Long COVID. It is estimated that 10–30% of those infected with the virus develop Long COVID. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, neurological problems, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and chest pain.
As healthcare systems search for effective treatments for Long COVID, one therapy gaining attention is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Traditionally used for decompression sickness, wound healing, and carbon monoxide poisoning, HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Early evidence suggests that this therapy may offer relief to some Long COVID patients by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues, reducing inflammation, and promoting neurological repair. Research studies over the last 2 years show that treatment with Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides more than a 90% resolution of Long COVID symptoms.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID are symptoms of COVID that persists for weeks, months, or even years after contracting the virus. The common symptoms of Long COVID include shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive impairment. Long COVID is generally seen in older people, those with health conditions, and those who had ICU admission. It is also commonly seen in younger, healthier people with no previous health conditions.
What is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a specialised treatment designed to boost the body’s natural healing processes. By significantly increasing the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream, HBOT helps the body recover and function more effectively. This enhanced oxygenation can counteract the effects of aging, stress, and other conditions that leave us feeling less than our best. In essence, HBOT creates an optimal environment for the body to experience the benefits of hyperoxygenation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves resting inside a pressurized chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Under these conditions, the body absorbs up to 15 times more oxygen than normal. This surplus of oxygen provides a wide range of health benefits, including enhanced immune function, stimulation of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), support for brain cell regeneration (neurogenesis), improved circulation, and more.
Benefits of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Long COVID
Improved Oxygen Delivery and Cellular Repair
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in blood plasma, improving delivery even to inflamed or damaged tissues. Since oxygen is essential for mitochondrial function, this enhanced supply supports cellular energy production and may help counter the dysfunction believed to contribute to Long COVID symptoms.
Reduction in Inflammation
Long COVID is associated with chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. HBOT reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines while boosting anti-inflammatory processes. Lower inflammation may ease joint pain, headaches, and persistent fatigue.
Neurocognitive Benefits
Many people with long COVID experience challenges with concentration, memory, and mental processing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to boost cerebral blood flow and stimulate neurogenesis—the formation of new neurons. By improving oxygen delivery to the brain, HBOT may enhance cognitive function, ease brain fog, and support clearer thinking.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Improvements
COVID-19 can damage the vascular endothelium (lining of blood vessels) and impair lung function. HBOT stimulates angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and repairs endothelial dysfunction. Enhanced lung oxygen exchange and circulation support better exercise tolerance and reduced breathlessness.
Reduction in Energy and Fatigue
Fatigue is a very common symptom of Long COVID. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can enhance efficiency and improve energy production at the cellular level. Many patients have reported a better quality of life due to increased stamina and fewer COVID-19 symptoms.
Immune System Regulation
HBOT can help aid in the clearance of the viral symptoms that linger. The treatment can help balance immune overactivity by normalising immune cell function. HBOT also supports recovery from autoimmune like responses linked to Long COVID.
Organ Recovery and Tissue Healing
COVID-19 can cause microvascular and organ damage, particularly in the brain, lungs, and heart. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) supports collagen production, tissue regeneration, and wound healing, which may help accelerate the repair of lingering damage caused by the virus.
Psychological and Mental Health Support
Living with a chronic illness can contribute to anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns. By enhancing brain function and oxygen delivery, HBOT may help promote greater mood stability. Research has also shown that Long COVID patients receiving HBOT often experience improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and increased emotional resilience.
Research Evidence for HBOT in Long COVID
The Shamir Medical Center Study (Israel, 2022)
A pioneering randomized controlled trial (RCT) on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for Long COVID was carried out at Shamir Medical Center in Israel in 2022. The study enrolled 73 individuals experiencing persistent post-COVID symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Participants in the treatment received 40 HBOT sessions spread across two months. Compared with the control group, those who underwent HBOT demonstrated marked improvements in memory, attention, cognitive performance, energy levels, and sleep quality. Brain MRI scans further showed enhanced perfusion and structural recovery in regions tied to cognition and emotional regulation.
Conclusion
Although larger clinical trials are still needed, current findings indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) shows strong potential as a supportive treatment for Long COVID. Many patients undergoing HBOT report noticeable improvements in breathing, mental clarity, physical stamina, and overall quality of life. Considering Long COVID’s complexity and the lack of a single proven therapy, HBOT presents a promising, evidence-based pathway toward recovery.
In essence, HBOT may address Long COVID on multiple fronts—by improving oxygen delivery, boosting cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and helping restore energy balance. As research advances, it has the potential to become an integral part of rehabilitation strategies for individuals coping with the persistent effects of COVID-19.