Ozone Therapy and COVID-19: What Do 13 Clinical Studies Show?

Research published in 2023 reviewed 13 clinical studies investigating medical ozone therapy in patients with COVID-19. The studies included patients with mild, moderate, and severe disease and reported encouraging findings across several clinical and laboratory measures.

Although these results warrant further investigation, the studies varied in design and quality. The findings should therefore be considered preliminary rather than definitive evidence of treatment effectiveness.

Reported Improvements in Clinical Outcomes

Across the included studies, researchers reported improvements in several areas:

• Respiratory symptoms and function: Improvements in cough, shortness of breath, respiratory function, and oxygen saturation.
• Oxygen support: Some studies reported earlier discontinuation of supplemental oxygen and reduced need for invasive mechanical ventilation.
• Clinical recovery: Reports of faster recovery, less clinical deterioration, and improvements in acute respiratory distress syndrome.
• Hospital outcomes: Some studies reported shorter hospital stays and reduced intensive care unit utilization.
• Inflammatory and metabolic markers: Changes in selected laboratory markers associated with inflammation, coagulation, infection, and metabolic function.
• Lung imaging: Improvements in radiological findings in some patients.
• Viral measures: Some studies reported reductions in viral load or earlier negative test results.

Some studies also reported lower mortality, but the available evidence does not establish that ozone therapy reduces the risk of death from COVID-19. These findings require confirmation in larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials.

What Do These Findings Mean?

The 2023 review suggests that ozone therapy may have potential as a complementary intervention for COVID-19. However, the small number of patients, differences in treatment protocols, and limitations of the underlying studies make it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

Ozone therapy is not an established standard treatment for COVID-19 and should not replace evidence-based medical care. Further research is needed to determine its safety, effectiveness, and appropriate role in treatment.

Dr. Wilson's Experience with Ozone Therapy

Dr. Devin Wilson, ND, received certification in ozone and prolozone therapy from The American Academy of Ozone Therapy and was trained by Frank Shallenberger, MD, in 2012. Dr. Wilson has incorporated these approaches into his clinical practice since that time, emphasizing individualized care and consideration of potential benefits, limitations, and risks.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Evidence for ozone therapy varies by indication and administration method, and many proposed benefits require further clinical investigation. Ozone must never be inhaled, as it can cause serious lung injury. Direct intravenous injection of ozone gas is unsafe and should not be performed. Patients should discuss potential benefits, risks, and alternatives with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source

Clinical evidence on ozone therapy for COVID-19: A review of 13 clinical studies. 2023.