
Hyperbaric Medicine
Hyperbaric medicine involves using a pressurized chamber to deliver high levels of oxygen to patients, which can enhance healing and fight infections. In wilderness medicine, it's particularly important for treating decompression sickness in divers and certain types of serious infections. When someone ascends too quickly from deep water, nitrogen bubbles form in their bloodstream, causing pain and potentially serious complications. Hyperbaric therapy helps dissolve these bubbles and restores normal oxygen levels in tissues, promoting recovery in critical situations where immediate medical help may be challenging to access.
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Hyperbaric medicine involves the use of high-pressure oxygen to treat various medical conditions. During a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases oxygen levels in the blood and tissues. This enhanced oxygen supply promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and aids in fighting infections. Common uses include treating decompression sickness (common in divers), carbon monoxide poisoning, and certain wounds. The therapy is conducted under medical supervision and has been shown to be effective for specific health issues, making it a valuable tool in modern medicine.