Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Ulcerative Colitis: A Promising Approach

by Dr. Kilcup | Dec 4, 2023 | Articles, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Leaky Gut Syndrome

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Ulcerative Colitis

If you or a loved one suffers with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) you’ve probably been told that this is a life time disease that can be managed with medication. Thanks in large part to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) UC is no longer a lifetime illness. Recent studies have shown HBOT’s ability to not only alleviate symptoms but also to heal UC patients. Read on to find out more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Ulcerative Colitis.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment involving the administration of pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. This process allows patients to breathe in oxygen at levels higher than atmospheric pressure, promoting increased oxygen absorption by the body’s tissues. In the context of Ulcerative Colitis, HBOT’s mechanism involves improving tissue oxygenation, thereby reducing inflammation in the colon.

Beyond its application in UC, HBOT has shown effectiveness in treating conditions such as chronic non-healing wounds, depression, concussions, chronic fatigue, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic Lyme disease. The therapy’s ability to enhance oxygen delivery to compromised tissues has made it a versatile and promising therapeutic approach across various medical domains.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Ulcerative Colitis

Recent studies underscore the multifaceted advantages of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in the context of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). These investigations reveal that HBOT enhances tissue oxygenation, effectively reducing inflammation in UC patients. The general consensus from clinical evidence supports significant symptom improvement in individuals undergoing HBOT compared to conventional treatments.

Improved Oxygenation

HBOT shows promise as a treatment for UC by targeting both tissue hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) and inflammation. Inadequate oxygen supply to tissues can result in reduced cellular function and, in severe cases, cell death. Research indicates that HBOT improves tissue oxygenation, effectively reducing inflammation in individuals with UC. 1

Clinical Evidence

Additionally, HBOT demonstrated significant improvement inflammation and oxidative stress in both people and animals with UC. Many patients who tried this hadn’t seen improvement with regular treatments. 2

In a 2014 trial review, most people (86%) responded well to HBOT, including those with Crohn’s disease (CD) and UC. All 40 UC patients who had follow-up tests showed a positive response to HBOT. 3

Mucosal Healing

By the 40th session of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), all patients experienced noticeable improvement. The median bowel movement frequency dropped significantly from seven motions per day to just one. The severity index and histological activity scores improved significantly, indicating positive changes in the patients’ conditions. The treatment also stimulated colonic stem cells, fostering mucosal healing. In conclusion, HBOT proves effective in treating stubborn cases of ulcerative colitis. 4

Immune Modulation

In addition, HBOT’s heightened pressure and oxygen availability have diverse applications, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and angiogenic properties. In conclusion, integrating HBOT into future clinical research holds potential as an additional support in managing even more varying health conditions. 5

Complementary Therapy

In another trial, using HBOT alongside steroids for hospitalized UC patients with moderate-severe flares led to more people achieving clinical remission. It also lowered the need for more advanced treatments during their hospital stay. 6


Hyperbaric Oxygen and Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine asks the question WHY. What caused the problem. Intestinal problems like ulcerative colitis are caused by something. Through functional medicine testing the mystery of what caused the problem can be discovered. Since UC and other GI issues (such as Crohn’s, IBS, etc.) can result from various factors, testing will uncover the specific issues so that it can be addressed with appropriate treatment. The treatment may involve changing your diet or lifestyle, detoxing, or adding supplements to help your body regain balance and heal naturally.

Unlike HBOT, functional medicine can be done remotely and does not require coming into our office. Tests and treatments can be shipped directly to you, and appointments can be over the phone or via video call. This makes for a streamlined and accessible approach to holistic healing for ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal issues.


Start Today!

In conclusion, the promising results of studies showcasing the effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in managing Ulcerative Colitis highlight a potential breakthrough for those seeking relief from this challenging condition.

Additionally, patients should prioritize seeking treatment from professionals trained in HBOT to ensure a safe and effective experience. This will minimize the risk of complications or adverse reactions. Choose a trusted, well-equipped center to embark on a journey toward improved health and well-being.

Moreover, Phoenix residents seeking HBOT treatment are encouraged to consider our center, which is equipped with state-of-the-art hard-shell HBOT chambers. Our chambers are capable of reaching the pressures demonstrated in these successful studies. Choosing a hard-shell chamber is crucial for implementing the proven effective protocols for UC. Learn more about why choosing hard-shell chambers is so important for those looking for real results.

We are centrally located in Phoenix, Arizona – call our office at (602) 864 – 0304 for more information or to get scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long do the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy last?

The duration of the effects of HBOT can vary based on the individual’s condition and the specific goals of the therapy. In some cases, the effects of HBOT may be immediate and short-lived, while in other cases, multiple sessions of HBOT may be required to achieve longer-lasting benefits.


How often should you do hyperbaric oxygen therapy?


The frequency of HBOT sessions can vary depending on the individual’s condition, treatment goals, and the recommendation of a healthcare professional. Typically, HBOT is administered as a series of sessions. It ranges from a few to several sessions over a specified period.


How quickly does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?


The speed at which HBOT works can vary depending on the individual’s condition and the specific goals of the therapy. Some individuals may experience immediate improvements or relief of symptoms after a few sessions of HBOT, while others may require multiple sessions over a longer period of time to see noticeable effects. The timeframe for experiencing the benefits of HBOT can be different for each person, and it is best to consult with a healthcare professional experienced in HBOT to get a better understanding of the expected timeline.


How can I find an HBOT chamber near me?


We are located in Phoenix, Arizona, but if you live far away I recommend reading my article on finding the right clinic for you.


Sources:

  1. HBOT for UC flare-ups. ↩︎
  2. HBOT for IBD. ↩︎
  3. Safety and efficacy of HBOT for IBD/UC/CD. ↩︎
  4. HBOT for healing colon cells. ↩︎
  5. HBOT and the Immune System. ↩︎
  6. Clinical Trial for those hospitalized due to UC. ↩︎

Darrell Kilcup, DC, CFMP

Hi there! I’m Dr. Kilcup. You know that health problem you’ve been dealing with – the one that doctors can’t seem to solve, that’s stealing way too much of your time, energy and joy? I can help you get to the bottom that. I am passionate about using the best of science and nutrition to find and fix root causes of health issues. Start your journey towards healing and relief today.

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5.0 16 reviews
I am so happy and grateful to have found Dr. Kilcup!! He is extremely patient, kind and compassionate, and takes the time to really listen and educate about the practices and treatments. I am seeing him for treatment for multiple things (hyperbaric oxygen, chiropractic care, functional medicine) and he has surpassed any other previous doctors and specialists I’ve seen before. I highly recommend working with him and his staff!
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Taylor Wray Avatar
Taylor Wray
4 months ago
The office staff is very friendly and helpful, the chamber is very effective for health benefits. Have been trying out the red light therapy as well. I highly recommend this place.
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Brandon M Avatar
Brandon M
4 months ago
What a great experience, I’ve never done anything like this before. I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful. Can’t say enough good stuff about this place. I totally recommend trying it out. my adventure continues….
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Wade Jagmin Avatar
Wade Jagmin
4 months ago
I have just done my second treatment and I felt pretty good. I didn’t really notice a difference after the first treatment but could tell I felt pretty good after todays. I have a lot going on health wise and look forward to how these treatments and Dr Kilcup will get me back on track.
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Ronny Heeb Avatar
Ronny Heeb
5 months ago
Dr Kilcup and his staff are very knowledgeable and kind. They have state of the art equipment to aid in healing my chronic autoimmune disease. Thank you Functional Medicine Center!
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Cherie Shaw Avatar
Cherie Shaw
5 months ago