Decompression Illness

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• Decompression Illness Overview
• Decompression Illness Symptoms
• Decompression Illness Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
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Decompression Illness Overview

Decompression illness can develop during scuba diving and occurs in the following conditions:

• When gas bubbles become entrapped in the body as a result of rapid ascent



• After inadequate exhalation during ascent



• Holding your breath during scuba diving



• Air trapping in the lungs due to water inhalation or lung diseases

Risk factors for decompression illness include cold, stress, fatigue, dehydration, obesity, old age, exercise, flying after diving, rapid ascents, deep diving, and repetitive diving.

Two types of decompression sickness exist: Type I involves the muscles, skin, and lymphatics. Type II involves the brain, ears, and lungs (typically more serious).

Record all details of recent dive profiles. To help prevent decompression illness, do not fly on an airplane for at least 12 hours after 2 hours of total dive time during the previous 2 days.