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RATIONALE: The disease arises from the generation of nitrogen bubbles in the vascular system and tissues in volumes sufficient to interfere with the function of an organ or cause alterations in sensation. The cause of gas bubble formation is the rapid decompression during ascent from diving, flying or a hyperbaric or hypobaric chamber when the speed of decompression exceeds the ability of the gas saturated tissues to vent the gases by simple diffusion. Secondary effects of the nitrogen bubble at the blood bubble interface can include activation of the complement system, lymphophobic effects and increased blood viscosity. Prompt treatment is important to reduce bubble size and repetitive treatments may be necessary for patients with residual defects following the initial recompression. Treatment should be undertaken even in patients suffering a delay (greater than six hours) from either the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, or in the transport to a treatment facility, because there are some who will show favorable response despite the late use of recompression therapy. Source: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Committee Report. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. 1996 Revision. Telephone: Email: Chico Hyperbaric Center Web Site Developed & Hosted by Access Now 2000. Copyright © 1999-2001. All Rights Reserved. # |
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