Nevada Legislature bill would urge study into hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans

In Nevada, there’s an important bill, AJR1, being discussed by the state’s lawmakers. This bill is all about encouraging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to look into how hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help veterans. Hyperbaric therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber.

Hyperbaric therapy increases oxygen levels in the lungs, which can be helpful for fighting infections and speeding up healing. The bill specifically mentions how this therapy can be useful for treating things like carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, wound healing, skin grafts, burns, and injuries caused by poor blood flow to certain body parts.

Even though the FDA hasn’t officially approved hyperbaric therapy for issues like PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, some studies have shown positive results for veterans. The bill mentions a study by The 22 Project, a veterans-focused nonprofit, which found a 46.6 percent improvement in symptoms for 39 veterans who tried hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

If AJR1 passes, it will become law right away, and this would be a significant step in exploring how hyperbaric oxygen therapy could benefit veterans’ health and well-being. Keep an eye out for updates on this important legislation.