Decompression sickness

Decompression chamber

Naval Base Guam dive locker (150225-N-ZB122-002)

Early diving recompression chamber at Broome, Western Australia

Decompression sickness (DCS), also commonly known as the bends, is a potentially serious condition that can occur when a scuba diver ascends too quickly from depth. It results from the formation of gas bubbles in the body's tissues, due to rapid changes in pressure during ascent.

Pathophysiology

Under pressure, gases (primarily nitrogen) are dissolved in body tissues. When a diver ascends rapidly, the decrease in pressure can cause these dissolved gases to come out of solution and form bubbles. These bubbles can disrupt normal physiological processes and cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of DCS can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the gas bubbles. Common symptoms include joint and muscle pain (hence "the bends"), dizziness, fatigue, and skin rash. More severe symptoms can include paralysis, confusion, seizures, or respiratory and cardiac problems.

Prevention

Prevention of DCS primarily involves ascending slowly from depth to allow dissolved gases to be eliminated gradually from the body, a process known as off-gassing. Divers are also often trained to make safety stops during ascent to further reduce the risk.

Treatment

The primary treatment for DCS is recompression in a hyperbaric chamber, which increases pressure and helps to re-dissolve gas bubbles. Oxygen is also often administered to help flush out the nitrogen.

See Also

• Scuba diving
• Hyperbaric medicine
• Barotrauma
• Gas embolism

Decompression sickness Resources
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