HBOT & Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic conditions: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. IBD diagnoses in the United States have increased about 50%, from 2 million adult cases in 1999 to 3 million in 2015 (1). People diagnosed with IBD have a higher risk for other chronic conditions including heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer, and arthritis (1). In this article, we’ll focus on Ulcerative Colitis. However, since Crohn’s and UC share many symptoms, this information can potentially be helpful for Crohn’s patients as well.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases happen as a result of immune system malfunction, causing the body to mistakenly attack healthy cells, tissues, and organs (2). Currently, there are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, and in most cases there is no cure (2). The severity of UC symptoms vary, and include diarrhea (often with blood and/or pus), abdominal pain, rectal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue (3).
Like many autoimmune diseases, UC is marked by periods of either remission or flare-ups of symptoms (4). In a remission period, symptoms are lessened or nonexistent, and the patient is able to lead a relatively normal life. During flare-ups, symptoms return or worsen, often causing great stress and pain to the patient. These flare-ups often significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and overall well-being.
Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes UC, but know that it involves the immune system not working like it should. Standard treatments include dietary changes, stress management, and immune-suppressing drugs to decrease inflammation (3,4). UC is often time-consuming, stressful, expensive, and embarrassing for its sufferers.
Recently, researchers have explored a novel treatment for UC: hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth (5). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (5). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic ulcers, bone infections, and radiation injury (6).
A 2020 study examined the effects of HBOT on UC patients who were hospitalized for moderate to severe flare-ups of the disease. Though the sample size of 20 patients was relatively small, the results were remarkable: 3 days of HBOT reduced stool frequency and rectal bleeding by 55%, and there was even greater success after 5 days (7). Out of those treated with HBOT, only 15% required second-line therapies like Infliximab and colectomy. Without HBOT, 80% of these patients were predicted to require these more intense therapies. The benefits of HBOT lasted beyond the study’s length, with low rates of re-hospitalization or colectomy three months after the study (7).
At Holistic Hyperbarics, we are excited about this new data confirming the benefits of HBOT for UC. If you or a loved one is dealing with Ulcerative Colitis, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. We understand the complications of inflammatory bowel diseases, and have successfully treated many patients with both UC and Crohn’s. There is hope, and there is help. We’d love to answer your questions about Ulcerative Colitis/IBD and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
Staff, CDC. “IBD Data and Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control, CDC, 11 Aug. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/data-statistics.htm.
Staff, NIEHS. “Autoimmune Diseases.” National Institute of Environmental Health Science, National Institutes of Health, 23 Mar. 2021, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune/index.cfm
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Ulcerative Colitis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353326#:~:text=Ulcerative%20colitis%20.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Ulcerative colitis flare-ups: 5 tips to manage them.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 May 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/in-depth/ulcerative-colitis-flare-up/art-20120410.
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.
Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.
Dulai, Parambir S., et al. “A Phase 2B Randomised Trial of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis Patients Hospitalised for Moderate to Severe Flares.” Wiley Online Library, Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics , 3 Aug. 2020, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apt.15984.