A Guide to Ozone Therapy: Benefits, Risks & Cost

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Medical science often employs complex methods involving specific elements to treat a disease. These elements are generally hazardous to the human body. Yet, radiotherapy utilises such radioactive compounds to treat various complex cancers.

A similar principle applies to ozone gas, an inert gas that is toxic to inhale. This noble gas is used in ozone therapy to counter toxins and pathogens that cause severe infections. But is ozone blood therapy safe?

This article will familiarise readers with the health benefits of ozone therapy and its potential risks.

What is Ozone Therapy? Is It Really Safe?

Ozone therapy involves using medical-grade ozone gas to treat various health complications. Ozone (O3) is an allotrope form of oxygen, consisting of three atoms instead of the usual two atoms in the oxygen (O2) we breathe. Ozone therapy uses this unstable ozone molecule for its potential therapeutic effects.

Methods of Ozone Therapy

The therapy can be administered in several ways, including:

• Ozonated Water or Oil: Applying ozone-infused liquids topically or orally.
• 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.

What are the Benefits of Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is administered to achieve various therapeutic effects. Here are the potential health benefits attributed to ozone therapy for which it is eulogised:

• 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 in treating certain medical conditions, such as circulatory disorders, wound healing, and some infectious diseases, though its effectiveness is still under research and debate.
• Purifying Water: Ozone is used in some water treatment processes to remove impurities and disinfect water.
• Treats Dental Problems: It is used in dentistry to sterilise and treat various tooth infections.

However, it should be noted that all the above-mentioned health benefits of ozone therapy 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 it has not been approved by the FDA for its uses in healthcare.

Limitations of Ozone Therapy

The following are limitations regarding 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 FDA for many medical uses.

Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before considering ozone therapy.

Potential Risks Related to Ozone Therapy

The following are some possible risks associated with ozone therapy:

• Lung Irritation: 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, which can lead to symptoms like 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 red blood cells.
• 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, which can lead 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 forgoing or delaying proven treatments.

Therefore, discussing these risks with a healthcare provider before considering ozone therapy is essential. Due to these potential risks, it is vital to ensure that the treatment, if pursued, is administered by a qualified practitioner.

Cost of Ozone Therapy

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 important 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 sessions of such a treatment can put a huge burden on your savings, needless to mention the auxiliary expenses. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers advanced medical treatments up to the sum insured. However, when choosing comprehensive health coverage, it's important to consider vital aspects such as sub-limits, co-payments, and waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

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.