Ozone therapy is not FDA approved as a medical treatment. More research is needed to better understand the uses and benefits, as well as potential risks to this therapy.
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Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy refers to the process of administering ozone gas into your body to treat a disease or wound. Ozone is a colorless gas made up of three atoms of oxygen (O3).
Still, some research has found that ozone may be used to treat medical conditions by stimulating the immune system. It may also be used for disinfection and to treat a range of diseases.
In the hospital, ozone therapy gas is made from medical-grade oxygen sources.
How it works
Medical ozone has been used to disinfect medical supplies and treat different conditions for more than 100 years. It may also help prevent infection in wounds.
According to research when ozone comes into contact with body fluids, the resulting reactions form more proteins and red blood cells. This increases oxygen supply in your body.
Ozone therapy may also disrupt unhealthy processes in your body. Research has shown that ozone therapy can inactivate:
- bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
- yeast
- protozoa
What it helps treat
Ozone therapy may be used for a variety of conditions. Research is ongoing regarding its effectiveness and safety.
Breathing disorders
People with breathing disorders may be good candidates for ozone therapy, though more research is needed.
By increasing the oxygen levels in your blood, ozone therapy may help reduce the stress on your lungs. Your lungs are responsible for supplying oxygen to your blood.
A 2014 study looked at intravenous ozone therapy, or injecting ozone mixed with blood, for treating COPD. It found that the therapy improved quality of life and ability to exercise in former smokers with COPD.
Be aware that breathing in ozone may irritate or damage the lungs, especially in people with respiratory diseases.
Although ozone may have beneficial uses, it’s also an air pollutant and shouldn’t be inhaled. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises against using ozone air purifiers.
Diabetes
Ozone therapy also shows promise in reducing the risk of complications from diabetes.
Complications are often caused by oxidative stress in the body. Research from 2018Trusted Source indicated that ozone may correct oxidative stress by activating the body’s immune and antioxidant systems and reducing inflammation.
According to a 2019 study, ozone therapy in people with diabetic foot ulcers helped close the wound and reduced the chances of infection.
A study also found that ozone therapy could be helpful for wound healing, a common side effect of diabetes.
Immune disorders
Ozone therapy may have benefits for people with immune disorders because it appears to help stimulate the immune system.
A 2018 study found that ozone mixed with blood and injected into people with HIV significantly reduced their viral load over a 2-year period.
A lower viral load means less of the virus is present, which can improve long-term health.
The study noted that more research is needed on the use of ozone therapy for the treatment of HIV.
How to prepare for ozone therapy
Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to prepare for your treatment. They may provide ozone therapy by drawing blood from your body, then mixing it with ozone gas and replacing it.
If ozone therapy will be administered with your blood, prepare for your blood draw by getting plenty of sleep the night before and eating a healthy breakfast that day. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water.
Side effects
Ozone therapy isn’t widely used at this time, and there are risks. Ozone gas has an odd number of atoms, which makes it unstable. This instability means it can be unpredictable.
Healthcare providers should take extreme caution when using ozone therapy. Ozone must be used in the proper amount and in the correct place, and it shouldn’t be inhaled.
In 2019, the FDA released a warning about inhaling ozone because it can irritate the lungs and cause fluid buildup that makes it difficult to breathe.
There are significant dangers when using ozone intravenously, at high doses, or for a long time. Talk with your healthcare provider about all of the possible risks and weigh them against the potential benefits.
You should also discuss other treatment options with your healthcare provider to help determine the best treatment plan for your condition.