How to Identify Symptoms of Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness, most commonly known as "the bends" is very common to those engaged in scuba diving or high-altitude flight activities. It is a very painful and potentially life-threatening condition that results from drops in pressure that wreak havoc with normal blood gas production and functions.Decompression sickness is caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood. While the presence of nitrogen is a necessary component of blood, combined with dropping pressure outside the body, nitrogen may develop into bubbles inside blood vessels in the body. These bubbles prevent adequate oxygen flow as well as blood flow to vital body organs.While both males and females may experience the bends, it is more commonly found in young men than any other group. Most symptoms of decompression sickness occur immediately to within 24 hours after any pressure change
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Instructions
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Pay attention to any joint pain in the upper or lower torso that may be categorized as moderate to severe.
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Watch for any indications of shortness of breath, chest pain or a burning sensation that often develops directly behind the breastbone, or sternum.
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Watch for any signs of choking. Passing through environments of high to normal pressures too quickly will cause nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood, which blocks oxygen to vital organs. Choking or severe difficulty breathing is often experienced by divers and pilots.
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Be alert for any signs of weakness or loss of sensation in extremities. This may also be observed as an inability to see, speak or hear.
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Watch for signs of severe abdominal pain or an inability to urinate.
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Tips & Warnings
Always allow for a gradual and slow change to normal pressure environments when diving, high-altitude mountain climbing or flying.
Left untreated, decompression sickness may cause brain damage and even death. Learn proper methods of decompression techniques when learning to dive or when engaging in any activities that involve changes in air pressure.
