Which of the following is the definitive care for decompression sickness?

• A. 100% oxygen
• B. Hyperbaric recompression
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Pacing and fluids

Answer: (B)

Hyperbaric recompression is the definitive treatment for decompression sickness because it directly tackles the gas bubbles that form when inert gas comes out of solution after a rapid ascent. Elevating ambient pressure shrinks the bubbles and promotes their re-dissolution into the blood, while also enabling high-concentration oxygen to reach hypoxic tissues. This combination not only reduces bubble-induced obstruction and ischemia but also accelerates nitrogen elimination from the body, which shortens and often relieves symptoms.

Providing 100% oxygen is essential and is used during therapy to wash out nitrogen and oxygenate tissues, but without recompression, the bubbles remain and the problem can persist or worsen. Antibiotics have no role in treating a gas embolism unless there’s a concurrent infection, and pacing with fluids is supportive care, not a cure for the underlying gas problem.