In which situation is HBO2 therapy most commonly applied?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which enhances the amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma. This treatment is particularly effective in specific medical conditions due to the physiological effects of increased oxygen levels.

In the case of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," HBO2 therapy is the first-line treatment. Decompression sickness occurs when divers ascend too quickly after spending time underwater, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in their bloodstream and tissues. These bubbles can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as pain and neurological issues. Administering HBO2 helps dissolve these nitrogen bubbles and mitigate the symptoms, allowing for a safer and more effective recovery.

While HBO2 therapy also has applications in other conditions like cyanide exposure, chronic otitis media, and long-term wound healing, it is most commonly associated with decompression sickness due to the nature of diving and the risks associated with it. In contrast, although HBO2 may be used in the treatment of cyanide exposure, it is not as widely recognized or utilized for that application as it is in managing decompression sickness. Similarly, long-term wound healing and chronic otitis media are treated with HBO2, but these applications