Decompression Sickness (The Bends): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Decompression sickness, also called decompression illness or the bends, is a condition that occurs when gas bubbles form in the body's tissues due to a sudden decrease in pressure. This can happen when a person ascends too quickly from a dive, or when they are exposed to a vacuum or other low-pressure environment.

The symptoms of decompression sickness can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may cause joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. More severe cases can cause neurological symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and confusion. In extreme cases, decompression sickness can be fatal.

If you think someone is experiencing decompression sickness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for decompression sickness typically involves recompression therapy, which involves placing the person in a pressurized chamber to increase the pressure and help the gas bubbles dissolve.