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Medical science often uses complex methods that involve specific elements to treat disease. These elements are generally hazardous to the human body. Yet radiotherapy utilises such radioactive compounds to treat a range of complex cancers.
A similar principle applies to ozone gas, an extremely reactive gas that is toxic to inhale. It is used to counter toxins and pathogens that cause severe infections. But is ozone treatment really safe?
This article will familiarise readers with the benefits, side effects, and cost of ozone therapy.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone (O3) is an allotrope of oxygen, consisting of three atoms instead of the usual two atoms in oxygen (O2) we breathe. Ozone therapy uses this unstable ozone molecule for its potential therapeutic effects.
Ozone therapy involves using medical-grade ozone gas. Some believe that ozone gas can be administered through ozone therapy to heal wounds, relieve pain and treat disease.
Methods of Ozone Therapy Treatment
The Ozone Therapy Treatment can be administered in several ways, including:
- Ozonated Water or Oil: Applying ozone-infused liquids topically.
- Ozone Gas Insufflation: Introducing ozone gas into body cavities like the rectum, vagina, or ear.
- Ozone Injections: Injecting ozone gas into joints or muscles.
- Ozone Blood Treatments: Mixing a patient's blood with ozone and then reinfusing it.
- Ozone Sauna / Skin Exposure: A section of the body is exposed to ozone gas under a protective cover, allowing ozone to be absorbed through the skin.
- Ozone Inhalation (Not Recommended): Breathing ozone gas is unsafe and not medically approved due to the risk of lung irritation.
What are the Ozone Therapy Benefits?
Ozone therapy is administered to achieve various therapeutic effects. Here are the potential ozone therapy benefits for which it is often promoted:
- Enhanced immune system: Some proponents suggest ozone therapy can stimulate the immune system, potentially improving its ability to fight infections and diseases.
- Improved blood circulation: It enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, benefiting conditions involving poor circulation.
- Antimicrobial properties: Ozone has potent oxidising properties and is used for its potential to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Reduced inflammation: Some claim it can reduce inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
- Pain relief: It's sometimes used in attempts to relieve pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis or other joint issues.
- Wound healing: Ozone promotes tissue regeneration and disinfection, aiding wound healing.
- Treating medical conditions: It has been explored for its potential to treat certain medical conditions, such as circulatory disorders, wound healing, and some infectious diseases, though its effectiveness remains the subject of ongoing research and debate.
- Used in some dental procedures: It is used in dentistry for disinfection, sterilisation, and treatment of various tooth infections.
However, it should be noted that all the above ozone therapy benefits have limited scientific proof and should not be considered an alternative treatment for disease.
The effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy are still under ongoing research and debate within the medical community, and the FDA has not approved it for medical uses.
Key Limitations of Ozone Therapy
The following are limitations affecting the reliability of ozone therapy:
- Limited scientific evidence: The scientific evidence supporting these benefits is mixed, and more research is needed.
- Not universally accepted: Ozone therapy is not universally accepted within the medical community and is considered controversial.
- Regulatory status: It is not approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA for many medical uses.
Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before considering the therapy.
Ozone Therapy Side Effects
The following are some possible ozone therapy side effects:
- Irritation in lungs: Inhaling ozone can irritate the lungs and airways, potentially causing coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Gas Embolism: Direct entry of ozone gas into the bloodstream can cause a gas embolism, a dangerous blockage of blood vessels.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to ozone, including skin rashes, itching, or swelling.
- Infection: Improper sterilisation of equipment can lead to infections at injection sites.
- Damage to Red Blood Cells: High ozone concentrations can damage them.
- Interactions with medications: Ozone therapy may interact with certain medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
- Lack of regulation: Ozone therapy is not consistently regulated, leading to variations in quality and safety.
- Unproven efficacy: As the effectiveness of ozone therapy is not fully established for many conditions, there is a risk of foregoing or delaying proven treatments.
Also, in 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against the use of ozone therapy, citing insufficient evidence to confirm its safety or effectiveness, according to pulmonologist Dr Vickram Tejwani. Therefore, discussing these risks with a healthcare provider before considering ozone therapy is essential. Given these potential risks, it is vital to ensure that a qualified practitioner administers any treatment.
How Much Does Ozone Therapy Cost?
The cost of ozone therapy depends on individual requirements and health needs:
- Ozone therapy costs can range from ₹30 to ₹6,000 per session
- The price also heavily depends on the number of ozone 'passes' required, where a 'pass' refers to treating and returning 200 ml of blood with ozone (HBO3)
- Depending on the type and complexity of the condition, up to 10 ozone passes may be recommended.
A doctor will recommend the number of sessions and ozone passes based on the type and intensity of the health condition.
When planning healthcare expenses, it's essential to consider treatment costs and ensure adequate coverage to manage potential emergency healthcare expenses.
>> Also Read: How Does Poor Blood Circulation Affect Your Overall Health?
Importance of Comprehensive Health Insurance
The cost of specialised treatment can be significantly high. As noted above, the costs of treatments like ozone therapy depend on the number of required sessions. The total number of sessions for such a treatment can put a considerable burden on your savings, not to mention the auxiliary expenses.
Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers advanced medical treatments. However, when choosing comprehensive health coverage, it's critical to consider vital aspects such as sub-limits, co-payments, and waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
Final Thoughts on Ozone Therapy Use
Ozone therapy is a controversial approach to health and wellness, with potential benefits including enhanced immune function, improved circulation, and antimicrobial properties. However, the limited scientific evidence supporting these claims, coupled with possible side effects and the lack of regulatory approval from authorities such as the FDA, warrants caution.
While some individuals may seek ozone therapy as a complementary treatment, it is vital to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before proceeding. Ongoing research is essential to clarify its efficacy and safety, ensuring that any therapeutic interventions prioritise patient well-being and informed decision-making.
Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
