Ozone therapy is an alternative treatment that involves introducing ozone gas into the body in order to stimulate the immune system, promote cell regeneration, and kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. While there is research supporting certain therapeutic benefits of ozone therapy, its use remains controversial. In the US, the FDA does not endorse or recommend this therapy and has issued public statements warning about potential harms.
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What is ozone therapy?
Ozone therapy is an alternative treatment that involves introducing machine-generated ozone gas into the body. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. While it is well known that inhaling ozone is unsafe and can irritate the respiratory system, some suggest that ozone is therapeutic when introduced to the body in other ways. Ozone therapy can be administered in a variety of ways, including topically applied, injected, or given intravenously or by blowing ozone gas into the vagina, rectum, or ears. [1][2][3]
Proponents of this alternative treatment believe it can provide a number of health benefits. These include claims that ozone therapy can promote the healing of damaged cells, tissues, and organs, stimulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation and disease. Ozone gas has also been reported to kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and is sometimes used to sanitize medical equipment. While some studies support these benefits, the use of ozone therapy is controversial, particularly in the U.S. [1][4]
What is the theory behind it?
Proponents of ozone therapy claim that the primary health benefits of ozone therapy are related to its high oxygen content, which triggers an oxidative stress response in the body. This stress response is believed to stimulate the antioxidative response in the immune system, improve circulation, and carry more oxygen to tissues, encouraging healing and reducing inflammation. [1][2][4]
Ozone gas is also known to have antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. Specifically, ozone gas kills harmful germs, fungi, and viruses that contribute to a range of health problems in humans. When applied topically to the skin, some research suggests that ozone gas can accelerate the healing of wounds. The anti-inflammatory effects of ozone gas have also been reported to help with chronic pain, arthritis, and other health conditions. [1][2][4]
Is it dangerous?
In the U.S., Ozone therapy is not currently considered or designated as a safe or effective treatment for any medical diseases or conditions, according to the FDA. Ozone gas is known to be harmful to the lungs and respiratory system when directly inhaled, contributing to lung conditions like asthma, COPD, and lung disease. [3] Proponents of ozone therapy argue these risks are not applicable, since ozone therapy does not involve direct inhalation of ozone gases. [2][4]Â
Still, critics argue that there can be other complications and risks associated with intravenous or intramuscular injections of ozone, which are some of the most common forms of ozone therapy. These include concerns about cellular damage, arterial blockages, neurological complications, and increased risk for cardiac events. [5] Other health officials report that these risks can be mitigated by the proper administration and dosing of ozone therapy, along with careful monitoring of patient outcomes. In the EU, ozone therapy is an approved medical treatment and is widely used in the treatment of chronic pain, inflammation, and disease. [1][4]
How is ozone administered?
Ozone gas should never be directly inhaled because of the risk for respiratory irritation and injury. [3] However, there are a number of other ways that ozone gas is administered in ozone therapy, including: [1]
- Intravenously: Ozone gas may be added to a sample of blood, which is then filtered back into the body intravenously in what is commonly called autohemotherapy.
- Direct injection: Ozone gas may be directly injected into the muscle, joint, or tissue.
- Topically: Ozone gas can be mixed in solutions of oil or water and applied directly to the skin for the healing of skin rashes or wounds.
- Sufflation: Ozone gas may be blown directly into a person’s ear, vagina, or rectum.
Suggested benefits
Proponents of ozone therapy claim that safely exposing the body to ozone gas can have a wide range of therapeutic health benefits, including: [1][2][4]
- Pain reduction
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Improved circulation
- Accelerated wound and joint healing
- Antimicrobial effects
- Reducing repeat cardiac events
- Fighting tumors
- Improved immune system functioning
- Treating joint pain and arthritis
- Treating lung conditions like COPD and asthma
- Reducing the risk of subsequent heart attacks after cardiac events
- Treating viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
Side effects & risks of ozone therapy
There are potential side effects of ozone therapy, which largely depend on the method of administration used. The risks of ozone therapy have not been well-studied, and their exact prevalence is hard to determine. Proponents claim that the risks are minimal and that ozone therapy is a safe alternative therapy, but critics disagree. The FDA has issued statements warning the public about potential risks associated with ozone therapy, including the risk of accidental inhalation of ozone gas. [1][5]
Potential side effects and complications of ozone therapy include: [1][4][5]
- Air embolism: Air blockages in the veins and arteries, which can increase the likelihood of cardiac events when ozone is injected or given intravenously.
- Herxheimer reactions: A range of temporary flu-like symptoms that can result from a sudden detox response.
- Accidental inhalation: When ozone gas is accidentally inhaled, it can cause lung irritation, coughing, nausea, and vomiting.
- Bloating or cramping: Feeling bloated or distended after ozone therapy is a common temporary side effect, and some people also report nausea.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired, drained, or fatigued directly after ozone therapy is a possible temporary side effect.
- Neurological problems: Rare cases of neurological problems and changes in mental status have been reported following ozone therapy.
- Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure has been reported by some individuals receiving ozone therapy.
Do doctors recommend ozone therapy?
At this time, the FDA does not recognize ozone therapy as a safe or effective treatment for any disease or health condition, and most doctors in the U.S. do not endorse this treatment. In some countries, the use of ozone therapy is more widely accepted in the medical community. For example, ozone therapy is an approved medical treatment in the EU, where it is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal problems, inflammation, and some viral or bacterial infections. [1][4]
Is ozone therapy legal?
Ozone therapy is not an FDA-approved medical treatment, and cannot legally be marketed as a cure in the U.S. Still, it is available in holistic and alternative clinics in various states around the country. Ozone therapy is also available abroad, but availability may be restricted in certain countries. For example, Malaysia outlawed ozone therapy, and some other countries have attempted to limit and restrict its availability to the public.
Final thoughts
Ozone therapy is an alternative therapy promoted as a way to boost immunity, fight infection, and target chronic pain and inflammation, but it remains controversial because of concerns over its safety and efficacy. At this time, ozone therapy is not endorsed as a medical treatment by the FDA, which has expressed concern over potential risks. Individuals interested in ozone therapy should speak with their medical providers about potential risks and contraindications before beginning this therapy.
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