Doctor's Notes on The Bends
(Decompression Syndromes)
The bends, also known as decompression sickness (DCS) or Caisson disease is a condition that occurs in scuba divers when dissolved gases (mainly nitrogen) come out of solution in the bloodstream, forming gas bubbles in the circulation. It is caused by rapid changes in pressure during scuba diving. The bends can affect almost any area of the body or any organ, including the lungs, heart, brain, joints, and skin.
The most common signs and symptoms of the bends include joint pains, fatigue, low back pain, paralysis or numbness of the legs, and weakness or numbness in the arms. Other associated signs and symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, vomiting, ringing in the ears, head or neck pain, and loss of consciousness.
Trauma and First Aid : Training and Supplies Quiz
QuestionEmotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience.
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Abdominal Pain (Adults)
Abdominal pain in adults can range from a mild stomach ache to severe pain. Examples of causes of abdominal pain in adults include appendicitis, gallbladder disease, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, heart attack, kidney stones, diverticulitis, shingles, spider bites, and more. Information about when to seek medical care for abdominal pain is also provided. -
Decompression Illness
Decompression illness is a serious condtion that usually follows improper rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, such as with scuba diving. This serious condition, classified in two types, can affect: muscles, skin, lymphatics, brain, ears, and lungs. -
Decompression Sickness
Barotrauma and decompression sickness refers to medical problems that occur during diving. These problems include decompression illness (the bends), external ear squeeze, middle ear squeeze, inner ear barotrauma, sinus squeeze, face mask squeeze, suit squeeze, lung squeeze, tooth squeeze, and gastric squeeze (aerogastralgia). Treatment is determined by the type of injury or medical problem. -
Joint Pain
Joint pain can be caused by injury or disease affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Pain also occurs with joint inflammation (arthritis) and infection. Joint pain symptoms can be associated with local warmth, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment depends on the cause and can include rest, cold applications, medications, physical therapy, or surgery. -
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tips
Safe scuba diving and snorkeling tips include protecting marine animals while enjoying the sport, equipment care, and emergency preparedness. -
Scuba Diving Emergency Contacts
Diving (SCUBA) emergency contacts worldwide. Find information and numbers for scuba diving emergencies accross the globe.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.