Ozone therapy
Ozone therapy

Background

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.
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 & Warnings:

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.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using ozone therapy for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

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.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 15/01/2022 01:00:57 and last updated on 01/09/2022 02:28:23. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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