As a medical professional with a focus on alternative therapies, I've been closely monitoring the use of ozone therapy and its potential side effects. Ozone therapy, also known as major autohemotherapy, is a controversial treatment that involves injecting ozone gas into the bloodstream. It's been promoted for a variety of conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and even cancer. However, it's important to note that the scientific community is not in consensus regarding its efficacy and safety.

Side Effects of Ozone Therapy


1. Respiratory Issues: One of the primary concerns with ozone therapy is the potential for respiratory problems. Accidental inhalation of ozone can lead to symptoms such as a burning sensation in the eyes, coughing, and nausea or vomiting. These symptoms are generally mild and occur in very sensitive individuals. However, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ozone can cause more severe respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing and lung irritation.


2. Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When ozone is administered rectally, which is a rare practice, it can lead to mild discomfort. Patients may experience a feeling of passing gas, gurgling, or mild cramps. These symptoms are typically short-lived and not severe.


3. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to ozone therapy. This can manifest as skin rashes, itching, or hives. In rare cases, anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, can occur.


4. Infection Risk: Any procedure that involves injections carries a risk of infection. If the equipment used for ozone therapy is not properly sterilized, there is a risk of introducing bacteria into the bloodstream, which can lead to serious infections.


5. Blood Clots: As with any intravenous treatment, there is a risk of blood clots forming. These can be particularly dangerous if they break off and travel to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.


6. Oxidative Stress: Ozone is a powerful oxidant. While it's used in therapy to combat oxidative stress caused by disease, there is a risk that the therapy itself could induce oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and inflammation.

7.
Psychological Effects: Some patients report feeling anxious or depressed after ozone therapy. This could be due to the invasive nature of the treatment or the high expectations placed on it.

8.
Unproven Effectiveness: Perhaps one of the most significant "side effects" of ozone therapy is the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for most conditions. This means that patients may undergo the treatment and experience its side effects without any guarantee of benefit.

It's crucial for patients considering ozone therapy to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider. While some proponents claim significant benefits, the medical community at large remains skeptical due to the lack of rigorous scientific studies.

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Ozone Therapy Side EffectsAccidental inhalation may lead to minor symptoms like burning of eyes, coughing, nausea or vomiting, or mild headache in very sensitive individual.Rectal administered ozone may very rarely give mild discomfort, a feeling of passing gas, gurgling, or mild cramps.More items...read more >>