AREAS OF APPLICATION

For many decades, the climatic conditions characteristic of high altitudes — in particular the reduced partial pressure of oxygen — have been used therapeutically in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Exposure to controlled hypoxia stimulates a series of adaptive mechanisms, leading to improved ventilatory, haematological and immunological parameters.

In response to oxygen deficiency, the body increases the production of erythropoietin, which results in a higher number of erythrocytes and improved oxygen transport capacity. Breathing efficiency improves, tissues are better oxygenated, and the immune system shows increased activity.

Clinical areas of application

Controlled hypoxia and high-altitude exposure can support the treatment of the following conditions:

• Increased susceptibility to bronchial infections
• Recurrent bronchitis
• Chronic bronchitis resistant to pharmacological treatment
• Bronchial asthma
• Chronic rhinitis
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Sinusitis
• Airway narrowing (spastic or allergic bronchitis)
• Pre-asthmatic conditions
• Inhalant allergy (e.g. to plant pollen)

Therapeutic directions

The use of therapeutic hypoxia can bring the following clinical benefits:

• Reduction of respiratory symptoms
• Secretolytic effect (easier clearance of secretions)
• Spasmolytic (relaxing) effect on bronchial smooth muscle
• Improved ventilatory function of the lungs
• Optimisation of breathing technique and breathing patterns
• Increased capillarisation in organ and muscle tissues
• Strengthened immune response
• Improved sleep quality and recovery
• Increased physical capacity and improved cardiovascular function
• Optimisation of dosing and effectiveness of pharmacological treatment

Rehabilitation programmes carried out under controlled hypoxia — e.g. in a high-altitude environment or in hypoxic chambers — have a strong stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system, even at a minimal level of physical effort. This form of therapy enables rapid and effective compensation for the loss of fitness caused by immobilisation, restricted movement or a previous injury.

Reduced oxygen availability activates adaptive mechanisms such as increased erythropoietin production, improved tissue perfusion and more efficient oxygen transport. Importantly, rehabilitation training under hypobaric conditions reduces the load on the structures of the musculoskeletal system — ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints — by up to 30% compared with the same effort at sea level, which makes it particularly beneficial during convalescence.

Altitude rehabilitation is applicable in all cases that lead or may lead to reduced physical fitness and mobility — both in a post-traumatic context and in chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or respiratory systems.

Therapeutic perspectives

• Maintaining aerobic capacity (endurance) during periods of reduced physical resilience caused by injury or illness
• Improving haematological parameters (blood count) before surgical procedures
• Increasing the supply to tissues and organs by stimulating angiogenesis, extending microcapillaries and improving microcirculation

Modern angiology and anti-ageing medicine have increasingly strong scientific evidence that the ageing process can be significantly slowed down — and in some respects even halted — by maintaining proper vascular function. Efficient blood flow in large vessels and in the structures of the microcirculation is key to the effective supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells.

Perfusion disorders — in both macro- and microvessels — lead to tissue hypoxia, increased oxidative stress (overproduction of free radicals) and weakened immune function. The consequence is accelerated cellular degeneration, increased susceptibility to infections and cancer, and deterioration in the appearance and function of organs — which clinically manifests as accelerated biological ageing.

Modern therapeutic approaches and technologies such as NITROXYS™ offer promising possibilities for the prevention of age-related diseases and for supporting regenerative processes by improving tissue oxygenation and stimulating microcirculation.

Therapeutic perspectives

• Increased physical and mental resilience and improved tolerance to oxidative and environmental stress
• Increased oxygen transport capacity and improved tissue perfusion
• Regeneration of immune function and reduction of chronic inflammation
• Normalisation of arterial blood pressure through improved vascular elasticity
• Improved sleep quality and circadian rhythm, supporting repair and neuroregenerative processes