HBOT & Mold Exposure
Mold is a type of fungus that is present almost everywhere, both indoors and outside (1). In nature, mold helps break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees (1). Mold needs moisture to grow, and thrives on surfaces like paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood (2). Some people are sensitive to mold, particularly those with allergies, respiratory illnesses, or autoimmune diseases (2). Common symptoms of mold exposure in sensitive people include stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, fever, and shortness of breath (2).
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common mold that can cause aspergillosis, an invasive fungal infection that can be fatal in those with compromised immune systems (3). In 2014, Robert Cramer, Ph.D, an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, discovered that saturing the body with oxygen with hyperbaric oxygen therapy can stop mold from growing in the body (4).
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic ulcers, sudden hearing loss, and radiation injury (5). HBOT helps treat mold exposure because it elevates tissue oxygenation, increases white blood cell counts, and enhances your immune system response (6).
In addition to Dr. Cramer’s HBOT mold study, a 2018 study found that HBOT is more effective than standard antifungal medicines at treating Aspergillus fumigatus (7). Scientists believe the infection’s poor response to antifungals is due to the low oxygen present in infection sites, which hinders the effectiveness of antifungal medications (7). These low levels of oxygen would explain why HBOT—which saturates the body with oxygen—is so effective at treating these infections. When this study used HBOT to treat patients with A. fumigatus, there was a 50% growth reduction in the fungal colonies (7). This remarkable reduction occurred after just two days of HBOT treatment (7).
Heavy or long-term exposure to mold can affect brain function, causing problems with short term memory, balance, coordination, attention span, and reaction time (3). A 2011 study used HBOT on 15 patients with significant mold exposure; this exposure so badly impacted their brain that it caused Attention Deficit Disorder in all patients (8). Ten sessions of HBOT significantly improved the attention span and reaction time of all participants (8).
If you’re suffering from Aspergillus fumigatus, another fungal infection, or any symptoms caused by mold exposure, we at Holistic Hyperbarics are ready to help you get your life back. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. We’d love to answer your questions about mold exposure treatment. Give us a call for more info, and to book your first HBOT appointment.
SOURCES:
1. Staff, EPA. “What Are Molds?” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, 2020, https://www.epa.gov/mold/what-are-molds.
2. Staff, CDC. “Basic Facts About Mold and Dampness.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, 11 Aug. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm.
3. Staff, National Hyperbaric Treatment Center. “HBOT, Mold Exposure, and Mold Toxicity.” National Hyperbaric, National Hyperbaric Treatment Center, 2020, https://nationalhyperbaric.com/hbot-treatments-and-conditions/hbot-mold-exposure-mold-toxicity/.
4. Durgin, Jennifer. “Investigating the Deadly Potential of a Common Fungus.” Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, 8 Sep. 2014, https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/news/2014/investigating-the-deadly-potential-of-a-common-fungus/.
5. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380.
6. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html
7. Dhingra, Sourabh; Buckey, Jay C.; Cramer, Robert A. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Reduces Aspergillus fumigatus Proliferation In Vitro and Influences In Vivo Disease Outcomes.” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, American Society for Microbiology, Feb. 2018, https://aac.asm.org/content/62/3/e01953-17.
8. Ezra, N et al. “Improvement of attention span and reaction time with hyperbaric oxygen treatment in patients with toxic injury due to mold exposure.” European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases, National Institutes of Health, Jan. 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2998645/.