Ozone Treatment: A Look at Its Nature and Potential Dangers
Ozone therapy, a treatment that uses ozone gas, has generated interest due to its potential therapeutic qualities. However, the current scientific consensus on its safety and effectiveness remains uncertain and not fully established.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in 2019 against using ozone therapy due to a lack of evidence on its effectiveness and safety. This caution is warranted as ozone therapy hasn't been tested in large-scale clinical trials on humans, and there is no global consensus on safe protocols for its administration.
Despite these challenges, recent clinical trials and studies offer promising results. For instance, a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial underway is investigating medical ozone injection via the intervertebral foramen to treat infected nerves associated with herpes zoster. Preliminary hopes suggest ozone may reduce nerve pain and postherpetic neuralgia, but definitive conclusions are pending.
Ozonated water has shown similar efficacy to saline solution in reducing pain and inflammation in dental pericoronitis, indicating ozone might be a viable alternative local treatment with comparable clinical outcomes. Topical ozone applications have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties in a clinical case of severe acne. However, evidence is mostly from case reports and limited trials, not yet widespread consensus.
However, the risks associated with ozone therapy cannot be overlooked. Inhaling medical-grade ozone, even in small amounts, can cause severe and permanent damage to the lungs and respiratory system. Long-term inhalation of ozone could lead to chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD, or worsen any preexisting lung disease. Accidental inhalation of ozone gas can lead to acute lung injury.
Ozone therapy may also cause discomfort and cramping when blown into the body, and it can trigger a Herxheimer reaction, causing flu-like symptoms. It's essential to note that ozone therapy is currently unauthorized and unregulated by the FDA.
Despite these concerns, some believe that ozone therapy may offer health benefits, such as immune system support, improved blood circulation, protection from invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and reduced oxidative stress. However, the evidence for these benefits is low-quality and limited.
Pulmonologist Vickram Tejwani, MD, stated that there may potentially be a role for ozone therapy someday, but more data on potential side effects is needed before it can be offered as a mainstream therapy or treatment. Standardizing the dosage, clarifying the effectiveness of ozone therapy for specific illnesses, and ensuring proper administration are necessary steps before ozone therapy can be considered safe and mainstream.
In conclusion, while clinical research is active and promising in some niche applications, the broader scientific and medical communities have not reached a definitive consensus endorsing ozone therapy as a safe and effective treatment across multiple health conditions. More rigorous, large-scale randomized controlled trials, safety evaluations, and standardized treatment protocols are necessary before ozone therapy can be broadly recommended.
[1] ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04283678 [2] Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery [3] Dermatology Online Journal [5] Journal of Clinical Medicine
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in 2019 against using ozone therapy due to a lack of evidence on its effectiveness and safety.
- Ozonated water has shown similar efficacy to saline solution in reducing pain and inflammation in dental pericoronitis, indicating ozone might be a viable alternative local treatment with comparable clinical outcomes.
- Despite the potential benefits of ozone therapy, risks such as lung damage, acute lung injury, discomfort, cramping, and Herxheimer reactions are associated with its use.
- Standardizing the dosage, clarifying the effectiveness of ozone therapy for specific illnesses, and ensuring proper administration are necessary steps before ozone therapy can be considered safe and mainstream.
