Decompression sickness is the release of gas bubbles into the blood caused by a sudden decrease in pressure around the body. Commonly called the bends, and sometimes diver’s disease or caisson disease, DCS most notably afflicts SCUBA divers. Oxygen and nitrogen bubbles form in the organs and tissues during a long or deep dive. Nitrogen bubbles enter the bloodstream when a diver ascends too rapidly. Flying in an unpressurized airplane may also cause DCS.

Causes of Decompression Sickness (DCS) and
Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE)

Decompression sickness is the most common cause of air or gas embolism. An embolism is a blockage in the bloodstream. A bubble can obstruct blood flow and damage the brain, the heart, or other vital organs and tissues, resulting in pain or death. Permanent disabilities may include vision impairment, paralysis, and respiratory problems.

Treatment of Decompression Sickness (DCS) and
Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in a recompression chamber is the primary treatment for decompression sickness. Increased atmospheric pressure reduces the size of nitrogen bubbles and helps them dissolve into the bloodstream. Oxygen-supersaturated blood displaces nitrogen and reaches deep into oxygen-deprived tissues.

HyperbaricLink Evidence Index for Decompression Sickness and
Arterial Gas Embolism

PubMed.gov 738 citations

HBOEvidence.com 9 appraisals

ClinicalTrials.gov 0 trials

The HyperbaricLink Evidence Index is our at-a-glance summary of the clinical evidence on HBOT for the treatment of specific diseases and conditions. Scoring is based solely on our reading and interpretation of the medical literature.

• Disproved - Strong evidence against using HBOT.
• None - Unfavorable results or no published evidence.
• Scant - Early or mixed results with lingering questions.
• Promising - Repeatedly favorable results urging further study.
• Compelling - Strong body of evidence meriting approval.
• Approved - HBOT indicated and widely reimbursed.

Follow the links to our primary sources to read the papers and analyses that have shaped our views. PubMed.gov lists most all scientific papers published in reputable medical journals. HBOEvidence.com critically appraises key studies in the hyperbaric medical literature. ClinicalTrials.gov lists human clinical trials currently enrolling, in progress, and recently completed.

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