What treatment is provided for decompression sickness, among other conditions?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the correct treatment for decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which can occur when divers ascend too quickly and nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream. This therapy involves placing the patient in a hyperbaric chamber where they breathe pure oxygen at pressures greater than standard atmospheric pressure.

The increased pressure helps reduce the size of the nitrogen bubbles, allowing the body to more easily absorb dissolved nitrogen. Moreover, breathing pure oxygen promotes healing in tissues affected by the condition by enhancing oxygen delivery and supporting cellular metabolism. This is crucial, as decompression sickness can cause damage to tissues and organs if not treated promptly.

In contrast, normal oxygen therapy at atmospheric pressure does not provide the same benefits as hyperbaric oxygen therapy since it lacks the effects of increased pressure. Inhaled corticosteroids and nitrogen therapy are not relevant treatments for decompression sickness.