Decompression Sickness
Definition - What does Decompression Sickness mean?
Decompression Sickness is a sickness that arises from the dissolved gases which come out of solution into bubbles in the body on the depressurization. These are the problems that commonly arise from underwater diving decompression but can be experienced in other depressurization events like flying in a pressurized aircraft, working in caisson and extravehicular activity from the spacecraft. These bubbles can form in or can migrate to any part of the body and produce various symptoms. The effects of Decompression Sickness are rashes, joint pains, paralysis and death.
Petropedia explains Decompression Sickness
Decompression Sickness is generally observed in elbows, ankles, shoulders and knees. The most common effect of this sickness is joint pains which accounts for around 60 to 70% in these cases, with shoulders being the most common site. Visual disturbances and headaches are the neurological symptoms that are present in 10 to 15% of these cases. Due to the introduction of pre-breathing protocols, the pulmonary Decompression Sickness is very rare in aviators and divers.