Which of the following is a primary use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is primarily used in the treatment of decompression sickness, a condition that can occur in divers who ascend too quickly after spending time at depths underwater. When a diver comes to the surface too rapidly, nitrogen that is dissolved in body tissues and blood comes out of solution too quickly, forming bubbles that can cause serious health issues. HBOT works by delivering pure oxygen at elevated pressures, which reduces the size of these bubbles and helps to displace nitrogen from the tissues. This treatment not only aids in the resolution of the acute symptoms associated with decompression sickness but also promotes healing of the affected tissues and improves overall oxygenation.

The other options presented involve different medical conditions that do not share the same acute physiological need that HBOT addresses in decompression sickness. Allergies, chronic fatigue, and muscle soreness are typically managed through other forms of treatment, which do not specifically involve the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Thus, while HBOT has various applications, its primary and most recognized use remains the effective treatment of decompression sickness.