Oxygenation
Hospital studies assess oxygenation and clinical stability under close medical supervision.
HBOT research for respiratory illness & acute COVID
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Respiratory illness & acute COVID research & care · Scottsdale & Glendale, AZ
HBOT research for respiratory illness & acute COVID
Researchers are exploring how hyperbaric oxygen might support oxygenation and recovery during severe respiratory illness.
RX-O2 offers a physician-led conversation about the evidence, your diagnosis, and the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in your broader care plan. Our Scottsdale and Glendale teams serve patients across the Phoenix area.
Small hospital studies have reported encouraging oxygenation and recovery findings in acute COVID. This remains a specialist research area, and hospital care is essential for acute illness. Explore the evidence below.
Physician-led care in Scottsdale and Glendale, serving the Phoenix area.
Physician-ledIndividual assessment and treatment planning
FDA-cleared chambersMedical hard-shell hyperbaric equipment
100% medical oxygenDelivered through a mask or hood
NHSA-certified techniciansPreparation, monitoring, and communication
The starting point
Acute illness and persistent symptoms need different care
Acute COVID pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome involve immediate medical decisions about breathing, circulation, and infection. These decisions belong to the hospital team.
Long COVID concerns symptoms that persist after the acute infection. Evidence from an acute hospital study cannot determine treatment for persistent brain fog, fatigue, asthma, COPD, or other respiratory diagnoses.
The clinical context matters. HBOT is being investigated as an addition to hospital treatment. It is not a substitute for emergency assessment, prescribed oxygen, ventilation, or established COVID treatment.
Connect the research to your goals
What matters in daily life?
Recovery milestones
Researchers examine hospital recovery and physiological changes, which require confirmation in larger trials.
After-illness goals
For persistent symptoms, discuss the diagnosis and a separate follow-up plan after acute care.
Your goals help shape the conversation and provide a useful way to follow progress if treatment is prescribed.
Explore the evidence
Respiratory illness & acute COVID & HBOT research
Explore the findings behind the conversation. These selected publications highlight reported benefits, the patients studied, and the questions researchers are still working to answer.
Literature checked
October 20, 2026
2024 · Exploratory randomized-trial substudy
An exploratory trial reported faster recovery
Publication indexed in PubMed. 2024.
Read the publicationA 2024 randomized-trial substudy analyzed 17 patients and reported better oxygenation and a shorter average hospital stay with adjunctive HBOT. The reported average stay was 16 days versus 26 days in the comparison group.
How to interpret it: This was a very small exploratory analysis. It cannot establish routine effectiveness, a survival benefit, or an outpatient treatment pathway.
2026 · Randomized-trial metabolic analysis
A 2026 study explored vascular and inflammatory pathways
Jermakow N, et al. Scientific reports. 03/18/2026.
Read the publicationA metabolic analysis of 28 randomized hospitalized patients found changes in amino-acid and lipid pathways after HBOT. The findings offer clues about biological responses that may relate to vascular and inflammatory regulation.
How to interpret it: Metabolic changes are research signals, not proof of better survival or recovery. The analysis was not a definitive clinical efficacy trial.
What this means for your decision
The early recovery findings provide a useful direction for further research. Larger controlled studies are needed to establish which patients benefit and how treatment fits hospital care. After acute illness, RX-O2 can discuss the evidence relevant to persistent symptoms and coordinate with your treating clinicians.
Plan with your care team
Start with your diagnosis and a coordinated plan
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Share the relevant records
After stabilization, bring your hospital discharge summary, respiratory assessments, current medicines, and persistent symptom history.
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Agree on the purpose of treatment
Review the evidence with your treating specialist and hyperbaric clinician. Identify specific outcomes to follow, the alternatives, and the reasons HBOT may or may not be appropriate.
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Set reassessment points
If treatment is prescribed, discuss the schedule, travel, costs, safety screening, and how progress will be reviewed. A published study schedule does not determine an individual prescription.
Your consultation is an opportunity to ask about expected benefits, treatment experience, scheduling, costs, and follow-up. We review suitability with you and coordinate with your treating clinicians when appropriate.
The RX-O2 difference
A team and setting you can get to know
Medical oversight from the start
Medical Director Marvin A. Borsand, DO, FACOS, FACCS, HCC, leads clinical oversight. A licensed medical provider reviews suitability and prescribes treatment when appropriate.
Medical hyperbaric equipment
Our clinics use FDA-cleared hard-shell chambers. You breathe 100% medical oxygen through a mask or hood while the chamber is pressurized with air.
Preparation and communication
NHSA-certified hyperbaric technicians explain the visit and monitor treatment. Tell us about ear pressure, positioning, mobility, or confinement concerns before you arrive.
Before your visit
Respiratory illness & acute COVID FAQs
Is acute COVID treated through a routine clinic appointment?
No. Difficulty breathing or rapidly worsening acute illness requires urgent medical assessment. Hospital research does not establish routine outpatient HBOT for acute COVID.
Does this research apply to long COVID?
Not directly. The patients, timing, and outcomes differ. Our separate long COVID page reviews persistent symptom research.
Does it establish benefit for asthma or COPD?
No. These studies concern acute COVID. A respiratory diagnosis and individualized safety assessment are essential before any hyperbaric discussion.
Where can I discuss this research near Phoenix?
RX-O2 has clinics in Scottsdale and Glendale. Bring your records or ask your provider to send a referral so that the team can review your circumstances and explain whether an outpatient consultation is appropriate.
Local care, two Valley locations
Explore HBOT in Scottsdale or Glendale
Looking for a hyperbaric consultation near Phoenix? RX-O2 offers two locations for patients across the Valley. Call the clinic closest to you for appointment availability and help planning repeat visits.
RX-O2 Scottsdale
9035 E Pima Center Parkway #11Scottsdale, AZ 85258
An East Valley option for patients in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and nearby communities.
RX-O2 Glendale
5626 N 51st AvenueGlendale, AZ 85301
A West Valley option for patients in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, and nearby communities.
Bring your questions. Explore your options.
After urgent medical needs have been addressed, ask your treating team whether an outpatient hyperbaric consultation has a role.
Sources & further reading
- Publication indexed in PubMed. 2024. An exploratory trial reported faster recovery.
- Jermakow N, et al. Scientific reports. 03/18/2026. A 2026 study explored vascular and inflammatory pathways.
Explore long COVID, brain fog & fatigue research
Selected research checked October 20, 2026. Evidence continues to evolve. This educational overview supports a conversation with your treating clinician; individual results vary.
Read HBOT safety and treatment FAQs. Discuss treatment risks, medicines, implants, and relevant medical history with your clinician. Equipment clearance does not establish effectiveness for every condition.