IV Ozone in New Braunfels, TX

Intravenous (IV) ozone therapy, often referred to as ozone autohemotherapy, is a form of oxidative medicine where ozone (O₃) gas is introduced into the bloodstream to harness its potential therapeutic effects. This therapy is utilized in various medical practices, including alternative and integrative medicine, to improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. However, it is important to note that the use of ozone therapy is still somewhat controversial and not widely accepted by mainstream medicine. As with any therapy, it is critical to seek professional medical advice and proceed with caution.

Here's an overview of a typical IV ozone therapy protocol used in clinical settings:

1. Patient Evaluation and Pre-Treatment Assessment

Before starting ozone therapy, a thorough evaluation is done to ensure the patient is suitable for the treatment:

• Medical History: Review for any contraindications to ozone therapy, including pregnancy, severe heart disease, bleeding disorders, or thyroid conditions.
• Laboratory Tests: Some practitioners may check for baseline blood work, especially for markers of immune function, inflammation, and oxygen levels.
• Hydration: Patients should be well-hydrated prior to the therapy, as it helps support circulation and overall treatment tolerance.

2. Protocol and Dosage

The specific dosing and frequency can vary based on the patient’s condition and the practitioner’s protocol. However, the typical approach involves ozone autohemotherapy, where blood is drawn from the patient, treated with ozone, and then returned to the bloodstream.

A. Ozone Concentration

• Ozone concentration in the blood is usually between 1–5 µg/mL. The exact concentration will depend on the condition being treated, the patient’s tolerance, and the specific protocol being followed.

B. Blood Draw and Ozone Treatment

• Blood Collection: Typically, 50–100 mL of the patient’s blood is drawn from a vein, depending on the condition and the protocol used.
• Ozone Exposure: The drawn blood is then infused with a calculated amount of ozone gas (usually through a sterile syringe or bag).
  • Ozone gas is administered by mixing it into the blood through the use of a special ozone generator. The ozone concentration is precisely controlled during this process.
  • The ozone-treated blood is then re-infused back into the patient’s vein.

C. Duration of Treatment

• Infusion Time: The ozone treatment is typically completed within 30–60 minutes, depending on the specific protocol and patient condition.
• Ozone Concentration: The concentration of ozone is gradually adjusted based on patient tolerance and the goals of treatment. It’s common to start with a lower ozone concentration and slowly increase it over time.

3. Frequency of Treatment

The frequency of IV ozone treatments depends on the patient’s condition and the goals of therapy:

• General Protocol: Often involves 1–3 sessions per week.
• Acute Conditions: For conditions like infections or inflammation, ozone therapy may be done more frequently in the beginning (e.g., 3–5 times per week).
• Chronic Conditions: For chronic issues, patients may receive therapy less frequently (e.g., once a week or bi-weekly).
• Maintenance: Some patients may continue with maintenance sessions every 2–4 weeks after the initial series of treatments.

4. Monitoring During and After the Treatment

• Vital Signs: Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation should be monitored during the infusion. IV ozone therapy is typically well-tolerated, but some patients may experience mild symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Ozone Side Effects: While rare, adverse effects such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or mild allergic reactions can occur. These symptoms typically resolve once the treatment is completed.

Post-Treatment Care:

• Rest: After the treatment, patients are often advised to rest for about 15–30 minutes to ensure they’re stable before leaving.
• Hydration: Patients should continue to drink plenty of fluids post-treatment to support detoxification and overall health.

5. Potential Benefits and Uses

IV ozone therapy is believed to have several potential benefits, although scientific evidence is still developing. Some of the reported benefits include:

• Immune system modulation: Ozone is thought to stimulate the immune system and enhance the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: It can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is associated with many diseases.
• Improved circulation and oxygenation: Ozone therapy may help improve oxygen delivery to tissues, supporting recovery and healing.
• Antioxidant properties: Ozone is an oxidative agent, and its controlled use in the body can trigger beneficial oxidative stress to promote healing processes.
• Detoxification: Ozone may help remove toxins from the body by enhancing metabolic processes and boosting liver function.

Common conditions treated with IV ozone therapy include:

• Chronic infections (e.g., viral, bacterial, or fungal)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Cardiovascular disease
• Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
• Wound healing and tissue repair

6. Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While ozone therapy is generally considered safe, it is not without potential side effects:

• Mild side effects: These include dizziness, fatigue, or mild headache immediately after the treatment.
• More severe side effects (rare): Hypoxia (low oxygen levels), allergic reactions, or shortness of breath can occur, especially if ozone is not administered correctly.
• Contraindications: Patients with certain conditions, such as pregnancy, severe heart disease, severe anemia, and bleeding disorders, should avoid ozone therapy.

7. Special Considerations

• Equipment: Ozone therapy requires specialized medical equipment, including ozone generators that can produce the gas in precise concentrations, as well as sterile equipment for drawing, treating, and returning the blood.
• Training: Only trained healthcare providers should administer ozone therapy. Incorrect ozone concentrations or improper administration could lead to complications.

Conclusion

Ozone therapy is an alternative treatment that some practitioners use for various conditions, and IV ozone therapy, in particular, is a method of delivering ozone directly into the bloodstream to target diseases more effectively. Although it shows promise in some areas, it’s essential that any patient considering IV ozone therapy consult with a healthcare provider experienced in its use. It is also critical to ensure that ozone therapy is provided under sterile conditions and with careful monitoring throughout the treatment process to minimize risks and ensure safety.