Overview

Ozone is a type of reactive gas. Ozone therapy is the use of ozone gas to treat certain medical conditions. It is most commonly practiced in Europe and Asia.

Ozone therapy is used for back pain in people with a herniated disc, diabetes and complications of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Some forms of ozone therapy can also be unsafe.

Ozone is a naturally occurring chemical that consists of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent. High concentrations of ozone can be toxic to living organisms and are considered a major source of pollution.

However, small ozone doses are thought to increase some naturally occurring antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help to fight off cancer and benefit the body in other ways as well.

How does it work ?

Ozone is a naturally occurring chemical that consists of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent. High concentrations of ozone can be toxic to living organisms and are considered a major source of pollution.

However, small ozone doses are thought to increase some naturally occurring antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help to fight off cancer and benefit the body in other ways as well.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Ozone Therapy overview.

Side Effects

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ozone is safe or what the side effects might be.

When inhaled: Ozone is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when inhaled. Ozone from the atmosphere is known to be toxic when inhaled from polluted air in large amounts. When used as a medicine, it can cause serious side effects including blindness from stroke or brain swelling. It can also cause heart attack or blood clots in the lungs that can lead to death.

When injected into the vein: Ozone is LIKELY UNSAFE when given by IV. It can cause serious side effects including blood clots in the lung, resulting in death. This form of ozone therapy should not be used.

When injected into a slipped disc in the back: Ozone is POSSIBLY SAFE. However, in rare cases it can cause serious side effects including blindness from stroke.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ozone is safe or what the side effects might be.

When inhaled: Ozone is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when inhaled. Ozone from the atmosphere is known to be toxic when inhaled from polluted air in large amounts. When used as a medicine, it can cause serious side effects including blindness from stroke or brain swelling. It can also cause heart attack or blood clots in the lungs that can lead to death.

When injected into the vein: Ozone is LIKELY UNSAFE when given by IV. It can cause serious side effects including blood clots in the lung, resulting in death. This form of ozone therapy should not be used.

When injected into a slipped disc in the back: Ozone is POSSIBLY SAFE. However, in rare cases it can cause serious side effects including blindness from stroke.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of ozone therapy during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Ozone Therapy overview.

Dosing

The appropriate or safe use of ozone therapy depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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