Diving medicine, also known as undersea and hyperbaric medicine, focuses on the physiological and medical challenges associated with underwater environments and the effects of pressure changes on the human body. It addresses conditions like decompression sickness, barotrauma, and nitrogen narcosis, ensuring safe diving practices and effective treatment of diving-related injuries.

Diving Medicine

Undersea medicine

Hyperbaric medicine involves the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure to treat various conditions, including decompression sickness and chronic wounds. It enhances the body's natural healing processes by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, which can aid in recovery and improve outcomes in specific medical scenarios.

Hyperbaric Medicine

Physiological challenges

Medical challenges

Underwater environments

Effects of pressure changes

Human Body

Decompression sickness, also known as 'the bends,' occurs when dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, come out of solution in bubbles and can affect any body area, including joints, lungs, heart, skin, and brain, due to rapid decrease in pressure. It is commonly associated with divers who ascend too quickly, but can also affect aviators and astronauts, requiring careful management of pressure changes to prevent serious health risks.

Decompression Sickness

Barotrauma refers to tissue damage caused by a difference in pressure between an air space inside or beside the body and the surrounding fluid. It commonly affects air-filled spaces such as the ears, sinuses, and lungs, and is often experienced during activities like scuba diving, flying, or hyperbaric treatments.

Concepts

Relevant Degrees

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