Decompression Sickness

Definition

Decompression sickness, commonly known as 'the bends,' occurs when a person ascends to a lower pressure environment too quickly after being in a higher pressure area, causing nitrogen dissolved in the body to form bubbles. This condition is particularly relevant in aviation, where altitude changes can drastically affect body pressure and lead to serious health issues if proper precautions are not taken.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Decompression sickness primarily affects divers and aviators due to rapid changes in pressure, which can lead to nitrogen bubbles forming in tissues and bloodstream.
2. Symptoms can vary widely and may include joint pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, paralysis or death.
3. Preventative measures include controlled ascent rates for divers and proper cabin pressure management in aircraft.
4. Treatment for decompression sickness typically involves hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which helps reduce bubble size and restore normal gas exchange.
5. Understanding the relationship between altitude changes and body physiology is crucial for pilots to prevent decompression sickness.

Review Questions

• How does decompression sickness occur during rapid altitude changes, and what physiological processes are involved?
  • Decompression sickness occurs when a person ascends rapidly from a high-pressure environment to a low-pressure one. In such scenarios, nitrogen that has been dissolved in the body tissues comes out of solution too quickly, forming bubbles. This rapid release can lead to a range of symptoms as the bubbles obstruct blood flow and cause tissue damage, emphasizing the importance of gradual ascent to allow for safe gas exchange.
• What are the potential consequences of decompression sickness if not treated promptly, particularly for aviators?
  • If decompression sickness is not treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications such as permanent neurological damage or even death. Aviators who experience this condition may face impaired judgment and motor skills, which are critical during flight operations. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of the individual and others on board.
• Evaluate the measures that can be implemented to prevent decompression sickness among pilots during flight operations.
  • To effectively prevent decompression sickness among pilots, several measures should be implemented. These include maintaining appropriate cabin pressure during flight to reduce the risk of nitrogen bubble formation and educating pilots about safe ascent rates when transitioning to lower altitudes. Additionally, conducting pre-flight checks to ensure that oxygen systems are functional can help manage altitude changes. By fostering awareness and following established protocols, pilots can significantly reduce their risk of developing this dangerous condition.

Related terms

Barotrauma: Injury caused by changes in pressure, which can occur during rapid ascent or descent in an aircraft or while diving.

Altitude Sickness: A range of symptoms that occur when a person ascends to high altitudes without proper acclimatization, often involving headache, nausea, and fatigue.

Nitrogen Narcosis: A condition that affects divers at depth due to the high partial pressure of nitrogen, leading to impaired judgment and motor skills.