top of page

Hyperbaric Application to COVID-19 Pulmonary Infection

Writer's picture: SoCal Hyperbaric OxygenSoCal Hyperbaric Oxygen


In the midst of the coronavirus epidemic/pandemic it bears remembering the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the last major pandemic that impacted the United States in 1918, the Spanish Flu Pandemic.  Death was primarily by pulmonary infection and its attendant hypoxemia and respiratory failure.  The first application of hyperbaric medicine to a Spanish Flu victim was likely also the first application to a human being in the United States.  In 1918 Dr. Orval Cunningham of Kansas City was brought a dying friend of a fellow physician.  The patient was moribund and blue.  Before Cunningham could perform his planned animal experiments he was asked to treat this dying patient. With just a one-hour treatment with compressed air at 1.68 atmospheres absolute the patient experienced improvement.  Combined with additional hyperbaric treatments over the next 3 days this patient’s life was saved.  Others followed.



17 views

Comments


Got a question? Reach out to us.

Thanks for reaching out!

©2020 SoCal Hyperbaric Oxygen Center

  • RSS Social Icon
  • Yelp Social Icon
  • Instagram Social Icon
  • Facebook Social Icon
  • Twitter Social Icon
  • LinkedIn Social Icon

The information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, prevention and advice of a qualified licensed professional. This website offers people general information about hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy (HBOT) in Los Angeles, California, and in no way should anyone consider that this site represents the practice of medicine. This site assumes no responsibility for how this material is used. Also note that this website frequently updates its contents, due to a variety of reasons. Not all statements or implied hyperbaric chamber oxygen treatments on this website have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is important that you do not reduce, change, or discontinue any medication or treatment without first consulting your doctor. Please consult with your doctor before beginning any new hyperbaric oxygen therapy program.

bottom of page