Paul Bert is known for which hypothesis regarding DCS?

• A. Paul Bert hypothesized that DCS was due to nitrogen bubbles.
• B. First to suggest slow decrease in pressure to avoid DCS.
• C. First to suggest recompression for DCS.
• D. First to suggest decompression with O2.

Answer: (A)

Nitrogen gas bubble theory: Paul Bert proposed that decompression sickness is caused by inert nitrogen coming out of solution in tissues as ambient pressure drops during ascent, forming bubbles in blood and tissues that disrupt circulation and cause the symptoms. This explains why rapid ascent or deep dives lead to DCS and why controlling ascent rate reduces risk. It also laid the groundwork for treatments that focus on dissolving or washing out these bubbles, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which accelerates nitrogen washout. Recompression and the use of oxygen during decompression came as later refinements in understanding and managing DCS, but Bert’s original idea centered on nitrogen bubbles forming from dissolved gas.