What medical condition is treated using hyperbaric oxygen therapy that involves gas bubbles in the bloodstream?

Decompression sickness is a medical condition that occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths under water. During the dive, nitrogen from the air we breathe dissolves into the body's tissues due to increased pressure. If a diver ascends too rapidly, this nitrogen can form gas bubbles rather than being safely eliminated from the body, leading to a range of symptoms including joint pain, dizziness, and possibly life-threatening complications.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment for decompression sickness because it involves placing the patient in a hyperbaric chamber where they are exposed to pure oxygen at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure. This environment helps to reduce the size of gas bubbles in the bloodstream and enhances the elimination of nitrogen from the body. Additionally, it provides oxygen to tissues that may be deprived of it due to reduced blood flow. This therapy significantly improves recovery outcomes in patients suffering from decompression sickness by addressing the underlying causes of the condition.