Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Lyme Disease? What Patients Should Know
Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) help Lyme disease? Some patients report temporary symptom relief—but current evidence suggests it does not address the underlying infection.
Patients often consider HBOT when symptoms persist despite treatment. The question is understandable:
If increasing oxygen affects Borrelia, could it help recovery?
In my experience, the answer is more complex.
A Clinical Perspective
One of my patients had been struggling with fatigue, pain, and brain fog for months. She asked whether a hyperbaric chamber could help.
While the theory is appealing, I have consistently seen better outcomes when treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying infection.
In her case, both Lyme disease and Babesia were present—conditions HBOT would not treat.
After targeted antimicrobial therapy, her symptoms improved.
What the Research Shows
- Small studies suggest temporary symptom relief in some patients
- Borrelia may be sensitive to oxygen—but clinical impact is unclear
- HBOT does not treat co-infections such as Babesia or Bartonella
- No large trials show sustained benefit in Lyme disease
- Improvements may reflect reduced inflammation—not resolution of infection
Overall, the evidence remains limited and inconsistent.
Why Hyperbaric Therapy Falls Short
Lyme disease is often more complex than a single infection.
Persistent symptoms may involve:
- Ongoing infection
- Co-infections
- Immune dysregulation
- Autonomic dysfunction
HBOT does not directly address these underlying drivers.
This is why patients may feel temporary improvement—but relapse later.
Cost and Practical Considerations
- Expensive (often not covered by insurance)
- Time-intensive (multiple sessions required)
- Variable response between patients
For many patients, this becomes a significant investment with uncertain benefit.
Clinical Takeaway
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may provide short-term symptom relief—but it does not replace infection-focused treatment.
- It does not treat Lyme disease directly
- It does not address co-infections
- It should not be considered a primary therapy
Patients tend to improve most when the underlying infection is identified and treated appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HBOT cure Lyme disease?
No. There is no evidence that it eliminates the infection.
Why do some patients feel better?
Possible temporary anti-inflammatory or oxygenation effects.
Is it worth trying?
It may be considered as supportive therapy—but should not replace standard treatment.
What should be addressed first?
Persistent infection and co-infections should be evaluated and treated.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
HBOT is definitely is one of the antidote that work when it comes to different forms of parasites. When pure oxygen is infiltrated into areas that the blood and/or antibiotics cannot reach, this is where the oxygen penetrates parts of the soft tissue areas where persisters hide. HBOT creates an alkaline state verses acidosis which parasites hate.
i am going through hell since Covid
I have patient with Lyme whose symptoms mimic long covid. I also patient with both whose long covid improves once their lyme disease is treated
Dr Cameron…….two questions please
1. Where are you located, your practice, and
2. Are you taking new patients?
Thank you…..Greta, Northern Michigan
Thank you, Greta. My practice is based in Mount Kisco, New York, and I am currently accepting new patients. Please visit my website for details on scheduling and next steps.
I had Lyme for a couple years.
Worked with assorted and respected practitioners and seemed to achieve some pushback only to have a reoccurrence.
Can anyone in your circle give me a Lyme guy in chicago.
I’m a 71 yrold Luddite who was spoiled by the concept of face to face 🙂
HBOT has been studied in malaria with studies showing it lowers parasite load and brain dysfunction. It also proven as an adjunct treatment to mold, Chrohns and other complications that happen with us that are seriously ill. It can also help with hemolytic anemia and low oxygen before during and after treatment plus at higher ATA can break biofilm, release stem cells and strengthen immunity. Even cooler is that is can start that anticoagulation cascade that breaks down clots and fibrin. There is a place for it in a comprehensive plan and seems to help medications work faster.
I have colleagues used HBOT despite the lack of published evidence. The first study out of Texas did not find HBOT helpful. Since they we know more about the complexity of Lyme and clinical trials making difficult to study