Hydrogen Water Health Benefits for Long COVID: What 2024 Research Shows

# Breathing Hydrogen and Nitric Oxide Together May Help Long COVID Patients Recover Faster Many people still struggle with breathing problems, fatigue, and other symptoms months after having COVID-19. New research shows that breathing a combination of hydrogen gas and nitric oxide might help these patients feel better and get stronger. ## What the Researchers Did Scientists studied 90 patients with [Post-COVID-19 Syndrome](/explore-by-condition/post-covid-19-syndrome) who had ongoing breathing problems. Post-COVID-19 syndrome means having symptoms that last for weeks or months after the initial COVID infection ends. The researchers divided patients into three groups: - 30 patients breathed nitric oxide gas alone - 30 patients breathed both nitric oxide and hydrogen gas together - 30 patients got standard care without any special gas therapy Each treatment group breathed their assigned gases for 30 minutes, twice a day, for 10 days. The scientists measured how well patients could exercise, their breathing function, and markers of cell damage in their blood. ## What They Found The [original research study](/study/the-combined-use-of-inhaled-nitric-oxide-and-molecular-hydrogen-in-patients-with-post-covid-19-syndrome-1775650467184) showed clear benefits when hydrogen was added to nitric oxide therapy. ### Exercise Got Much Better Patients who breathed both gases together could walk much farther in a 6-minute walking test. Their walking distance improved by an average of 89 meters compared to the control group. That's like walking almost the length of a football field farther than before treatment. ### Breathing Function Improved The combination therapy group showed better lung function scores. Their forced vital capacity (how much air they could breathe out) increased significantly more than the other groups. ### Less Cell Damage Scientists measured malondialdehyde in the blood. This chemical shows how much damage harmful molecules called free radicals cause to cells. The combination therapy group had much lower levels of this damage marker compared to patients who got nitric oxide alone or standard care. ### Symptoms Got Better Patients reported feeling less tired and having fewer breathing problems. Their overall quality of life scores improved more than the other treatment groups. ### No Serious Side Effects None of the patients had serious problems from breathing the gas combinations. The treatment appeared safe for all participants. ## Why This Matters [Long COVID](/explore-by-condition/long-covid) affects millions of people worldwide. Many patients struggle with ongoing fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced ability to exercise or work. Current treatments are limited. This study suggests that combining hydrogen gas with nitric oxide might offer a new way to help these patients recover. Hydrogen gas appears to work by reducing harmful free radicals that damage cells. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and improves blood flow. When used together, these gases seem to work better than nitric oxide alone. This could mean faster recovery and better quality of life for people with [Respiratory Disorders](/explore-by-condition/respiratory-disorders) after COVID-19. ## The Bigger Picture This research adds to growing evidence that hydrogen gas might help treat various health conditions. Previous studies have shown hydrogen can reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. The [hydrogen whole body research](/blog/category/whole-body) field is expanding rapidly. Scientists are studying how hydrogen affects everything from brain function to heart health. What makes this study special is that it tested hydrogen in real patients, not just in lab dishes or animals. Human trials like this give us stronger evidence about whether treatments actually work. The combination approach is also promising. Instead of using one treatment, combining hydrogen with other therapies might give better results with fewer side effects. ## Key Takeaways • Breathing hydrogen gas plus nitric oxide helped post-COVID patients walk farther and breathe better than nitric oxide alone • The combination therapy reduced cell damage markers in the blood, suggesting less harmful inflammation • Patients reported feeling less tired and having better quality of life after 10 days of treatment • No serious side effects occurred, indicating the treatment was safe for these patients This research offers hope for people struggling with ongoing symptoms after COVID-19. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results and determine the best treatment protocols. You can explore more studies like this in our [hydrogen research database](/proxy/) to learn about the latest findings in hydrogen therapy. *Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen.*