Decompression sickness

Decompression sickness: Understanding and Mechanisms of Development

Decompression sickness, also known as decompression sickness or “dive sickness,” is a serious medical condition associated with changes in pressure around our body. This condition usually occurs in divers, deep-sea workers, and astronauts after exposure to high pressure. Decompression sickness can have a variety of symptoms and can be dangerous to human health and life.

The mechanism of development of decompression illness is associated with the physicochemical properties of gases dissolved in the blood and tissues of the body. When diving to a depth under water or in outer space, the pressure of the external environment increases and the body is subjected to compression. During this period, gases dissolved in the blood and tissues are under high pressure, which leads to their dissolution in large quantities.

The problem occurs when there is a rapid return to low pressure, when gases cannot quickly escape from the tissues and blood, forming bubbles. These gas bubbles can accumulate in various parts of the body, causing a variety of symptoms and damage. Symptoms of decompression sickness may include joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, dizziness, visual disturbances, breathing problems and nervous system problems.

To prevent decompression sickness, it is important to follow certain decompression procedures. This involves slowly and gradually returning to normal atmospheric pressure to allow gases to leave the body without forming bubbles. To do this, divers and astronauts must comply with time and depth restrictions on the dive, as well as make mandatory stops at certain depths.

Treatment for decompression sickness includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which means giving the patient 100% oxygen at elevated pressure. This helps dissolve additional gases in the blood and speed up their elimination from the body. In cases where decompression sickness leads to serious complications, more complex treatment may be required.

In conclusion, decompression sickness is a serious illness associated with changes in pressure around our body. It occurs due to a rapid transition from high to low pressure, which leads to the formation of gas bubbles in tissues and blood vessels. Proper adherence to decompression procedures and dive time and depth restrictions are important measures to prevent this condition. However, if decompression sickness develops, it is necessary to immediately seek medical attention and begin appropriate treatment, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Understanding the mechanisms of decompression sickness helps us understand the importance of safety when diving and working in high-pressure conditions. It also highlights the need to educate and train professionals working in such environments so that they can effectively prevent and manage this condition.

Overall, decompression sickness remains a significant challenge for divers, deep-sea workers, and astronauts. But by following safe procedures and developing appropriate medical treatments, we can reduce the risks and ensure the safety of people susceptible to this potentially dangerous condition.