Dive Illnesses And Treatments Practice Test

Hyperbaric therapy works by applying higher ambient pressure to treat gas-related injuries, so the main aim is to shrink the nitrogen bubbles and improve their removal while protecting tissues. The increased pressure compresses existing bubbles (making them smaller and less obstructive), which helps restore blood flow and limits tissue injury. At the same time, the high-pressure, oxygen-rich environment increases the amount of inert gas that can dissolve in the blood and tissues and then be washed out as the diver breathes normal air or oxygen, speeding inert gas elimination. This combination reduces ongoing damage from bubbles and ischemia and accelerates recovery, rather than trying to instantly eradicate every bubble or addressing other non-therapeutic actions like sedation or surgery.