Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Decompression sickness (DCS) can occur after breathing compressed air during diving using the Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) on divers. DCS arises due to bubble formation, growth, and elimination caused by a reduction in ambient pressure that produces an inert gas such as nitrogen. This study was conducted to review therapies that can be given to patients with Decompression Sickness (DCS). Method: In this literature review we conducted a search on the PubMed database using the search keyword "Decompression Sickness Therapy" and using Randomized Controlled Trial, Meta-Analysis, and Clinical Trial. Inclusion criteria include using free full text publications, published in the last ten years, and relevant to the discussion, and using English. Discussion: Therapy in decompression sickness can be done by doing prevention and initial treatment. Prevention of decompression sickness can be done with the use of nitrox to reduce bubble formation that appears during diving. Meanwhile, for general management can be done with fluid resuscitation, respiratory tract protection, and blood pressure maintenance. An important treatment that must be done in decompression sickness patients is recompression performed using the United States Navy Table 6 protocol. This recompression can reduce the formation of gas bubbles and can reduce the occurrence of neurological deficits in the plunger. Conclusion: Common treatments that can be done in decompression sickness are fluid resuscitation, airway protection, and blood pressure maintenance. While the initial treatment given to patients with decompression sickness is recompression which usually uses hyperbaric oxygen. Prevention that can be done is to reduce the formation of bubbles that appear during diving such as the use of nitrox.