Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is often promoted as a way to relieve symptoms of chronic Lyme disease. Some patients seek it out when other treatments haven’t worked. But in my experience, HBOT doesn’t address the root problem—a persistent tick-borne infection.

So let’s break it down—in the form of a clinical dialogue.

💬 A Clinical Dialogue on Hyperbaric Oxygen and Lyme Disease

Cameron: One of my patients had been struggling with fatigue, pain, and brain fog for months. She asked, “Would a hyperbaric chamber help me feel better?” She’d read that oxygen could make it harder for Borrelia to survive.

Colleague: I hear that more and more. The idea is that Borrelia prefers low-oxygen environments, so increasing oxygen might help. But it’s far from a comprehensive approach.

Cameron: Exactly. While some patients report feeling better after HBOT, I’ve had more success when we focus on identifying and treating the persistent infection itself. In this patient’s case, we uncovered both Lyme disease and Babesia. HBOT wouldn’t have addressed the co-infection.

Colleague: So instead of starting HBOT, you focused on antimicrobial treatment?

Cameron: Yes. Once we treated both infections appropriately, her symptoms began to improve. I’ve seen this pattern time and again. While HBOT might play a supportive role for some, it doesn’t replace direct treatment.

Colleague: Is there strong research behind HBOT?

Cameron: The research is limited. Some small studies suggest temporary symptom relief, but no large trials confirm long-term benefit. It remains experimental when it comes to tick-borne diseases.

🔬 What the Research Shows

• Small studies (e.g., Austin, 1997) and anecdotal reports suggest some patients experience symptom relief after HBOT—but results are inconsistent.

• Borrelia is sensitive to oxygen, but HBOT’s effects on persistent infection are not well understood.

• HBOT does not target Babesia, Bartonella, or other co-infections.

• No large clinical trials show long-term benefit in Lyme disease.

• Symptom relief may reflect reduced inflammation, not resolution of infection.

⚖️ Why Clinical Judgment Still Matters

• I’ve seen patients pursue HBOT with little change—until we treated the underlying infection.

• Some feel temporarily better but relapse because co-infections were missed.

• HBOT is costly, time-intensive, and not covered by many insurance plans.

• Patients deserve a thoughtful, infection-focused treatment strategy—not a generalized therapy.

🩺 What I Do in My Practice

• I evaluate for persistent Lyme disease and co-infections like Babesia or Bartonella.

• I base treatment on clinical signs and response—not just test results.

• I prioritize antimicrobial and antiparasitic treatments tailored to the individual.

• I’ve occasionally seen patients try HBOT, but I always prioritize antimicrobial treatment first—it’s where I’ve seen the most lasting results.

• I track progress closely and adjust treatment based on outcomes, not theories.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer temporary relief for some—but it doesn’t address the infection at the core of most chronic Lyme cases I see.

My patients do best when we dig deeper and treat the problem directly.

If symptoms persist, the question isn’t whether you’ve tried enough alternative therapies.
The real question is: Has the infection truly been addressed?

That’s where I focus my attention. And that’s where I’ve seen the most meaningful progress.