Back in March 2019, Justin Bieber posted pics of himself on Instagram using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
Fans have speculated that the pop star uses HBOT or hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve his mental health. However, it should be noted that there’s not enough scientific evidence to support the use of HBOT for depression, anxiety, and other related disorders.
Now, that doesn’t mean HBOT is just a health fad. There are real benefits of a hyperbaric chamber, but only for specific health conditions. Here, we’ll talk about some hyperbaric chamber benefits, plus what to expect if your doctor recommends HBOT for you, as well as the risks to keep in mind.
Using a Hyperbaric Chamber for DCI
The most popular use of a hyperbaric chamber is treating diving-related conditions such as decompression illness (DCI) or “the bends.” It’s what happens when a diver ascends to the surface rapidly, causing air bubbles to form and expand in their body.
If the volume of bubbles doesn’t decrease, it may cause damage to body tissues, as well as obstruct small blood vessels.
That’s why DCI patients are often prescribed to use a hyperbaric chamber. By receiving a constant supply of pure oxygen, patients can gradually decompress, reducing the volume of the bubbles in the body.
Treating Non-Healing Wounds
If tissues don’t get enough oxygen, they won’t heal as usual. The slow repair will also reduce the body’s immune response, resulting in further inflammation.
HBOT provides oxygen from the outside. You can ask your doctor if HBOT will benefit you if your wounds don’t heal naturally after two weeks.
Protecting Heart and Brain Tissue
HBOT is essential in cases of severe carbon monoxide poisoning.
Patients need immediate replacement of carbon monoxide with oxygen to prevent heart and brain tissue damage. Spending time in a pressurized oxygen chamber speeds up that process.
Other Benefits of a Hyperbaric Chamber
Doctors also prescribe HBOT for severe anemia, gangrene, radiation injury, and sudden deafness.
There are also off-label uses for HBOT, such as reducing pain for irritable bowel syndrome and correcting skin issues like sagging skin and age spots.
HBOT: What to Expect
If you check out hyperbaric chambers for sale, you’ll notice that the design is usually for one person. You should know, though, HBOT doesn’t have to be in a chamber. Instead, multiple patients can go inside a pressurized room to receive HBOT.
No matter the size, the health benefits are the same. But, of course, how many sessions you need will depend on your condition. Carbon monoxide poisoning patients, for instance, may only need one session, while those with severe non-healing wounds may require around eight treatments.
Should You Try DIY HBOT?
It’s best to consult a doctor before you get a hyperbaric chamber.
Remember, you need a prescription for an FDA-approved medical device, especially one that delivers high-pressure oxygen.
If you use a non-FDA-approved hyperbaric chamber, you could damage your ears, sinuses, eyes, teeth, and lungs. Also, don’t forget that pure oxygen is also highly explosive and flammable. Bottom line: It’s better to receive HBOT under medical supervision than risk your health and safety.
Do You Need Hyperbaric Treatment?
Now that you know some benefits of a hyperbaric chamber, do you think you need HBOT?
The only way to know is by consulting a doctor. If your physician recommends HBOT, don’t forget to ask if it’s worth getting a hyperbaric chamber for personal use or if it’s better to receive it in a healthcare facility.
For more health tips and advice, feel free to check out our other posts.
