Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness occurs when there is a sudden change in barometric pressure.  Underwater diving is the largest cause of decompression sickness.  When a diver has a sudden decrease in pressure during underwater ascent, nitrogen bubbles can form in the body tissue rather than being exhaled.  These nitrogen gas bubbles can cause severe pain.  Different parts of the body can be affected depending where the bubbles are located.  Decompression sickness symptoms can vary.  Some may experience itching, rashes or bubbles under the skin.  Other symptoms may be joint pain, sensory disturbances, bladder problems, chest pain, cough and shortness of breath.  If a diver has decompression sickness most will show signs within the first 24 hours.  Some injuries form decompression sickness requires immediate medical attention, while others can wait for treatment.  It is always best to plan ahead when chances of decompression sickness can be a factor. 

Always know the location of the nearest emergency room and facility equipped with a Hyperbaric Chamber.  Recompression therapy was first proven to work in1896.  Oxygen therapy was proving to work in animals that had decompression sickness.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy will immediately reduce bubble volume while increasing the diffusion gradient for inert gas from the bubble into the surrounding tissue.