Decompression Syndromes: The Bends (cont.)
Medical Author:
Eric Mowatt-Larssen, MD
Coauthor:
Eric Johnson, MD
Medical Editor:
Ruben Olmedo, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM
IN THIS ARTICLEThe Bends CausesNitrogen from a diver's air tank increases in pressure as a diver descends. For every 33 feet in ocean water, the pressure due to nitrogen goes up another 11.6 pounds per square inch, or 600 torr. As the pressure due to nitrogen increases, more nitrogen dissolves into the tissues. The longer a diver remains at depth, the more nitrogen dissolves for any specific depth. Unlike the oxygen in the air tank a diver uses to swim underwater, the nitrogen gas is not utilized by the body and builds up over time in body tissues.
Viewer Comments & ReviewsDecompression Syndromes: The Bends - ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with decompression sickness |
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Decompression Sickness »
Although decompression sickness (DCS), a complex resulting from changed barometric pressure, includes high-altitude–related and aerospace-related events, this article focuses on decompression associated with the sudden decrease in pressures during underwater ascent, usually occurring during free or assisted dives.
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