Hyperbaric chamber and decompression sickness

It is common in divers who ascend too quickly or in aviation personnel who experience cabin pressurization failures.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the joints and muscles.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Dizziness and disorientation.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Neurological problems, such as loss of consciousness or paralysis.

Without prompt treatment, decompression sickness can have permanent consequences and even be fatal.

The hyperbaric chamber allows athletes to inhale pure oxygen in a high-pressure environment, increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood plasma. This process generates a series of positive effects at the physiological level:

• Increased oxygen transport: Increased oxygen availability improves mitochondrial function and the production of ATP, the main source of cellular energy.
• Stimulates tissue regeneration: Accelerates the repair of damaged muscles and tendons, reducing recovery time.
• Reducing inflammation: regulates the inflammatory response in damaged tissues, allowing for more efficient recovery.
• Elimination of toxins and metabolic waste: contributes to cleansing the body after physical activity, reducing accumulated fatigue.

Hyperbaric chamber treatment offers multiple benefits in patients with decompression illness, including:

• Fast and effective recovery: Hyperbaric therapy is the only proven treatment to safely and quickly eliminate nitrogen bubbles.
• Reduction of neurological sequelae: reduces the risk of permanent damage to the central nervous system.
• Safe and controlled therapy: It is carried out in specialized medical environments, with constant supervision.
• Positive effects on tissue oxygenation: benefits healing and improves cellular function throughout the body.

Although hyperbaric chamber therapy is safe, there are some risks and considerations that patients should be aware of:

• Barotrauma: The change in pressure can affect the ears and lungs, so gradual adaptation is recommended.
• Oxygen toxicity: In prolonged treatments and at high pressures, oxygen toxicity can occur, although it is rare with current medical protocols.
• Medical contraindications: People with pneumothorax, respiratory infections, or certain medical conditions may not be candidates for treatment.

In addition to divers and aviators, other patient groups may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including:

• Patients with wounds that are difficult to heal.
• People with severe infections or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Athletes who require accelerated muscle recovery.
• Patients with neurological diseases undergoing treatment.

At Dr. María Dolores Antón's clinic, which specializes in regenerative medicine and hyperbaric medicine, we have state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained professionals to provide safe and effective treatment. If you experience symptoms related to decompression sickness, seek immediate medical attention to avoid complications.