Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Oxygen is not an antibiotic, nor is it a direct alternative to antibiotics. However, supplemental oxygen is sometimes used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of serious infections, particularly those that cause hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), such as severe pneumonia or sepsis. The primary rationale is that oxygen therapy can help maintain adequate tissue oxygenation when lung function is impaired by infection, thereby supporting the body's ability to heal and for immune cells to function optimally. There is also a specific context known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. HBOT has demonstrated efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for certain infections, such as clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene) and some chronic, refractory wound infections, especially those involving anaerobic bacteria. The evidence base for HBOT in these settings is moderate but not robust (hence a score of 2), with some clinical studies and case series supporting its use, but limited high-quality randomized controlled trials. In summary, while oxygen itself does not replace antibiotics, it plays a supportive role in managing infections where hypoxia is a concern, and in select cases, hyperbaric oxygen may provide additional benefit in treating specific, severe infections.

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