What is decompression sickness?
Q: What is decompression sickness?
A: Decompression sickness is a condition caused by bubbles forming in the blood and other body parts of people who experience a reduction in pressure around them too quickly.
Q: What causes the bubbles in decompression sickness?
A: The bubbles are caused by a decrease in pressure around the body too quickly.
Q: How do the bubbles affect the body parts?
A: The bubbles can block the flow of blood and starve the body parts of oxygen. They can also cause damage to the affected parts by stretching, tearing, or pressing on them.
Q: What is another name for decompression sickness?
A: Decompression sickness is also known as the bends.
Q: How can decompression sickness be prevented?
A: Decompression sickness can be prevented by following decompression schedules during diving, ascending slowly enough to allow the body to adjust to the pressure changes, and taking breaks during ascents.
Q: What are the symptoms of decompression sickness?
A: Symptoms of decompression sickness can include joint pain, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Q: Can decompression sickness be treated?
A: Yes, decompression sickness can be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized chamber to reduce the size of the bubbles and increase the amount of oxygen in the body.
