What is the purpose of a hyperbaric chamber?

A hyperbaric chamber is specifically designed to create an environment where the pressure exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. The primary purpose of this chamber is to treat conditions like decompression sickness, often experienced by divers who ascend too quickly from deep dives. When a diver ascends, nitrogen that has been absorbed into the body under high pressure can form bubbles, leading to potentially serious health issues.

In a hyperbaric chamber, the increased pressure helps to dissolve the nitrogen bubbles back into the bloodstream and facilitates their elimination from the body. Additionally, this environment can be utilized for gas absorption therapies, such as oxygen treatment, which can also promote healing in certain medical conditions. The therapeutic benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) extend beyond just treating decompression sickness; it is also used for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and chronic non-healing wounds.

Other options, while related to diving and pressure, do not accurately represent the primary function of a hyperbaric chamber. It does not simulate low-pressure environments, nor is it designed for navigation training or buoyancy adjustment for divers.