Living with an autoimmune disease can feel like battling an invisible foe. The constant cycle of flare-ups and remissions takes a physical and emotional toll. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment that can complement traditional therapies for autoimmune diseases. Explore how managing autoimmune diseases with hyperbaric therapy can help alleviate symptoms and enhance the benefits of other treatments.
A Brief Overview of Hyperbaric Therapy
Before learning about the benefits of HBOT, let’s go over the basics of how the therapy works. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing elevated concentrations of oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases the concentration of oxygen in the blood, jumpstarting healing processes. Patients typically sit or lie in a sealed chamber, where the pressure gradually increases to the prescribed level.
The therapy is painless, though patients might experience slight ear pressure that they may relieve by swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum to equalize the pressure. Each session typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, with multiple sessions usually prescribed. HBOT is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated, offering a unique therapeutic option for people with autoimmune conditions.
Reducing Inflammation
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation by significantly increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, which promotes healing and repair at the cellular level. It helps decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines—chemicals that contribute to inflammation—thereby easing the inflammatory response.
Inflammation is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases, often leading to joint pain, swelling, and fatigue. By reducing these symptoms, individuals may experience improved mobility and energy levels. HBOT serves as an effective means of managing chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune conditions.

Enhancing Oxygen Delivery to Tissues
Autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to mistakenly target and attack healthy cells, perceiving them as threats. This misguided immune response often involves the production of autoantibodies, which bind to and damage normal tissues, leading to their dysfunction.
Hyperbaric therapy can help manage tissue damage caused by autoimmune diseases. HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to tissues by using increased atmospheric pressure to dissolve more oxygen into the bloodstream. Increased oxygen saturation in the blood makes it possible to diffuse oxygen more efficiently into tissues.
Improved tissue oxygenation can do the following:
- Accelerate wound healing and tissue repair.
- Enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics by improving tissue penetration.
- Promote the growth of new blood vessels to improve circulation.
- Increase energy production at the cellular level, boosting overall vitality.
- Support neurological recovery by providing essential oxygen to brain tissues.
Promoting Healing
Autoimmune diseases can target collagen, a vital protein in connective tissues, leading to significant tissue damage. In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks collagen, resulting in inflammation and deterioration of joints and skin. This autoimmune response can cause symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and skin rashes, as well as affect internal organs.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates collagen production by providing high levels of oxygen to fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing and organizing collagen fibers within connective tissues. Increased collagen production can help restore the structural integrity of joints, skin, and other affected areas. As a result, patients may experience improved tissue health and a reduction in symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Supporting Immune System Regulation
In the context of managing autoimmune diseases, modulating immune function means adjusting the immune system’s activity to reduce its attack on the body’s own cells. The process involves enhancing or suppressing specific aspects of the immune system to minimize harm while maximizing protection against pathogens.
HBOT helps modulate immune function by enhancing oxygen levels, which can decrease inflammation and regulate immune cell behavior. This controlled adjustment helps reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, or episodes where symptoms worsen significantly. Consequently, patients may experience fewer symptoms, improved quality of life, and more effective management of their autoimmune conditions.
Improving Circulation
HBOT promotes angiogenesis—the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones—by providing high levels of oxygen that stimulate the release of growth factors. New blood vessels can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, supporting overall immune system regulation, reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and promoting recovery.
Additionally, detoxification via the circulatory system is crucial for managing autoimmune symptoms and reducing inflammation. The circulatory system transports waste and toxins from the body to the kidneys and liver, where they are filtered and expelled, helping to prevent toxin buildup that can exacerbate autoimmune responses. Improving circulation can help maintain this internal balance.

Understanding What To Expect
Attend a Consultation Session
During the consultation session, your doctor will assess your medical history and the specifics of your autoimmune condition to determine whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you. They will discuss your current symptoms, flare-up patterns, and previous therapies to develop a comprehensive understanding of your needs. This personalized approach ensures that any recommended treatment is specifically tailored to improve your health outcomes.
Your physician will modify factors such as the pressure level, session duration, and frequency to tailor your hyperbaric therapy. If deemed suitable, your doctor may suggest using a 3 ATA hyperbaric chamber, which can increase the atmospheric pressure to three times the pressure at sea level. This level of pressure enhances oxygen delivery and can be adjusted to meet your ongoing needs.
Commit to a Therapy Schedule
Work with your healthcare provider to establish a consistent therapy schedule, which may vary depending on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. Regular sessions help maximize the therapeutic benefits offered by HBOT, although your schedule should balance treatment frequency with your lifestyle and other commitments.
Integrate With Other Treatments
Combine hyperbaric therapy with other prescribed treatments, such as medication, dietary changes, or physical therapy, to maximize its benefits. A multifaceted treatment approach addresses various aspects of autoimmune conditions, which can improve symptom management. Discuss with your doctor how best to incorporate different therapies for a cohesive treatment strategy.
Regularly Review the Treatment Plan
Have regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of hyperbaric therapy and make necessary adjustments to your overall treatment strategy. These reviews help ensure that the therapy aligns with your health goals and adapts to any changes in your condition. Ongoing communication with your care team makes therapy sessions more responsive to your healthcare needs.
With its ability to reduce inflammation, boost oxygenation, and promote tissue healing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy stands out as an innovative treatment for autoimmune diseases. When combined with traditional treatment regimens, it offers a well-rounded approach to managing symptoms. If you have an autoimmune condition, talk with your doctor to see how HBOT can open new avenues for relief.