The therapeutic effects of HBOT in IBD have been shown to significantly improve gut healing and reduce inflammation in clinical studies.
About 1.6 million people in the U.S. have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD can affect anyone, from young kids to older adults, but it’s most common in people aged 15 to 35.
Usually, doctors treat IBD with medicines like corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and immunomodulators, but these treatments often don’t get rid of symptoms for good.
However, new research shows that adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to the usual treatments can make a big difference. Studies found that using HBOT with steroids helps more people feel better and stay in remission, and it also slows down the disease from getting worse.
IBD can cause serious issues like stomach pain, fever, weight loss, inflammation in the digestive tract, and diarrhea. In this blog, we’ll explain how hyperbaric oxygen therapy works and how it can help people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Little Know
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes illnesses that cause ongoing swelling in your digestive system. It can suddenly cause severe stomach pains and diarrhea, among other problems. But IBD can do more than just affect your stomach; it can also impact your overall physical health, feelings, and mental well-being.
IBD is a long-term illness with no cure, which might sound tough. However, there are treatments that help control its symptoms and ways you can manage it to keep it from taking over your life.
By enhancing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, the therapeutic effects of HBOT in IBD provide a promising adjunct to traditional treatments.
Key Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):
Crohn’s Disease
This type causes sores, or ulcers, anywhere in your digestive tract. It often affects the small intestine and the start of the large intestine, but it can affect any part from your mouth to your bottom.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
UC leads to swelling and sores in your large intestine. It usually starts in the rectum and can spread to cover part or all of the colon.
Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD symptoms can be light or very strong. They come and go, and it’s hard to guess when they’ll show up. When symptoms appear, doctors call it an IBD flare. When the symptoms stop after getting treatment, doctors say the disease is in remission.
Common symptoms of IBD include:
- Lower stomach pain that feels like cramps.
- Blood in your poop.
- Ongoing diarrhea.
- Feeling very tired.
- Losing weight without trying.
What Causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs when immune system cells in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract mistakenly attack healthy tissues, leading to inflammation that causes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The exact cause of this misdirection by the immune system is not fully understood, but researchers are investigating genetic mutations that might contribute to the problem. These mutations can disrupt:
- The regulation of your immune system, preventing it from overreacting to perceived threats.
- The function of your mucosal barrier, which serves as your intestine’s initial defense line.
- The control of bacteria growth in your intestine.
These genetic changes may increase your risk of developing IBD. Scientists often refer to the affected genes as susceptibility genes. There are over 160 different susceptibility genes identified. If you inherit any of these genes, certain everyday activities could trigger IBD symptoms, although they do not cause the disease itself. Common triggers for IBD symptoms include:
- Taking antibiotics.
- Using NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Experiencing stress.
Breaking Down the Therapeutic Effects of HBOT in IBD
Increasing Oxygen Levels in the Colon and Blood
During HBOT, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which raises the amount of oxygen in the blood. This extra oxygen gets delivered to the colon, especially to areas with low blood flow or reduced oxygen levels. High oxygen levels are crucial because they give cells the energy they need to heal damaged tissue and perform normal functions.
Reducing Inflammation
IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation, caused by the release of harmful chemicals called pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. HBOT reduces the release of these chemicals, calming down the overactive immune system. By controlling inflammation, it prevents further damage to the colon and allows the body to focus on healing the injured areas.
Helping Cells Repair the Colon
HBOT stimulates special cells in the colon, called stem cells, to grow and develop into the types of cells needed to fix the damaged tissue. It also attracts other helpful cells, like fibroblasts (which help rebuild tissue) and endothelial cells (which form blood vessels). Together, these cells repair the lining of the intestine and restore its natural barrier, which is often damaged in IBD.
Better Body’s Defense Against Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress happens when there are too many harmful molecules, called reactive oxygen species (ROS), in the body and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. This imbalance contributes to the tissue damage seen in IBD.
HBOT strengthens the body’s antioxidant defenses, which reduces the harmful effects of ROS. It also lowers the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) gathering in the colon. Neutrophils contribute to inflammation and can harm tissues when they build up in large numbers, so reducing them helps protect the colon.
How These Processes Work Together?
All these effects combine to improve IBD symptoms and promote healing. Extra oxygen restores the energy supply to the colon, while the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress creates a more stable environment for healing. At the same time, the repair cells rebuild the colon’s structure, leading to long-term recovery and improved intestinal health.
By addressing several causes of IBD at once, HBOT works in a comprehensive way to support healing. While it’s not a standalone cure, it can be a powerful tool alongside other treatments.
Exploring the therapeutic effects of HBOT in IBD reveals its potential to alleviate symptoms and promote long-term intestinal health.
Final Thoughs
In this blog, we’ve learned a lot about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help. Even though IBD is a tough condition without a cure, using HBOT with regular treatments looks promising. HBOT helps by increasing oxygen levels, reducing swelling, and helping heal the gut.
Dealing with IBD is different for everyone, but knowing what can trigger symptoms and using treatments like HBOT can make a big difference. If you or someone you know has IBD, booking consultation at Lakeshore Hyperbaric Center Chicago is the next wise good step.
Remember, taking an active role in treatment and making small changes in daily life can really help manage IBD better. By staying informed and proactive, people with IBD can lead happier, healthier lives.
