Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is gaining popularity among celebrities such as Bieber and Bialik, and here's why it's becoming increasingly trendy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has gained popularity due to the endorsement of celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Mayim Bialik, who have highlighted its potential health benefits.

Bieber and Bialik both announced that they have turned to therapy to help with their respective mental and physical health concerns.

The Hyperbaric Oxygen Institute in Irvine, California, reports that Olympic athletes such as Michael Phelps and Lindsey Vonn have utilized therapy to "gain a competitive advantage."

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy a game-changer for the public beyond medical use?

Here’s what you should know.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not new to medical professionals.

The Mayo Clinic states that decompression sickness, a potential risk of scuba diving, can be effectively treated with a well-established method.

The same source stated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat serious infections, air bubbles in blood vessels, and non-healing wounds caused by diabetes.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment.

The Mayo Clinic stated that in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, the air pressure is intensified to two to three times the standard air pressure.

A person's lungs can gather more oxygen when breathing air at normal pressure than if breathing pure oxygen, according to the same source.

One Medical's family physician, Alexa Mieses Malchuk, M.D., MPH, stated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used for various conditions and ailments.

"By increasing the oxygen concentration delivered to the body, it works by providing oxygen at high pressure."

She also noted the treatment can be used in heightened medical situations.

Malchuk stated that the most evidence supports treatment for severe carbon monoxide poisoning or hydrogen peroxide exposure, air embolism, and decompression sickness - life-threatening complications of scuba diving.

How can oxygen heal?

The University of Kansas Health System describes a hyperbaric oxygen chamber as a pressurized tube resembling a larger version of a cylinder used at a drive-thru bank.

The person inside the chamber inhales almost pure oxygen and feels higher pressure than at sea level, according to the source.

According to Steven M. Orr, M.D., director of wound care and hyperbaric medicine services at The University of Kansas Health System, oxygen behaves like a drug with specific indications and side effects when under pressure.

The doctor added that hyperbaric oxygen can "heal wounds that require more oxygen than the patient can produce on their own."

Why is the treatment catching celebrity eyes?

The quest for the ultimate healthy lifestyle is driving a fascination with various treatments, with both celebrities and knowledgeable Americans contributing to the trend.

"Malchuk from One Medical in North Carolina stated that in today's world, humans are increasingly fixated on biohacking and wellness. They are exploring unconventional medical approaches to not only maintain good health but to gain a competitive edge."

Malchuk stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that some individuals utilize hyperbaric therapy with the objective of accelerating recovery or improving athletic performance.

She cautioned that hyperbaric oxygen hype should be tempered with realistic expectations.

Malchuk reported that hyperbaric therapy has strong evidence supporting it as a treatment option for specific conditions, but there is mixed or no evidence to support it for other conditions.

"It's crucial to consult with your family medicine physician, who is familiar with your unique medical and personal background, to determine if this treatment is suitable for you."

Is hyperbaric oxygen safe?

Malchuk stated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally safe, but it has some rare but severe risks.

The symptoms of decompression sickness, pressure trauma to the sinuses, middle ear and lung, oxygen toxicity, reversible vision changes, and seizures may occur.

Always consult first with a medical professional

Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore reported that the most common complication following therapy is trauma to the middle ear.

Other possible complications include eye damage, lung collapse, low blood sugar, and sinus problems.

In rare and extreme cases, a person can suffer from oxygen poisoning, according to the source.

Consider the risks and benefits before undergoing a hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

It is crucial to consult with a family physician before considering hyperbaric oxygen treatment, as emphasized by Malchuk.

Individuals with medical conditions, particularly those with lung problems, claustrophobia, sinus issues, or ear problems, are particularly affected by this.