Question 1

what is this decompression sickness?

Accepted Answer

Usually from diving: It is the body's response to reduction of pressure without equilibration.  Usually associated with too rapid ascent from depth, it is also called caisson's disease because of the air pressure necessary to keep water excluded in contruction (e.g., deep bridge abuttments).

Question 2

hi doctors, was just wondering what is decompression sickness?

Accepted Answer

DCS: Decompression sickness (dcs) is also called the bends. When a diver descends in the water- pressure increases. As the diver ascends there is less pressure which allows dissolved gas to form bubbles in body tissues. This can cause a variety of different symptoms ; in some cases can lead to death. It could also occur in an unpressurized aircraft going to high altitude, if a halo parachutist does not.

Question 3

can you get decompression sickness from a tank?

Accepted Answer

Usually from diving: It is the body's response to reduction of pressure without equilibration.  Usually associated with too rapid ascent from depth, it is also called caisson's disease because of the air pressure necessary to keep water excluded in contruction (e.g., deep bridge abuttments).  If the pressure high and suddenly reduced, yes.

Question 4

could you pick up decompression sickness from a bath?

Accepted Answer

No: This requires serious pressure changes (scuba diving, working underwater in a pressurized environment.).

Question 5

how does decompression sickness affect homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Not at all: Probably not at all, after symptoms are gone.

Question 6

why do divers call decompression sickness "the bends"?

Accepted Answer

They bend over: Because when dcs was discovered in the 19th century, the patients suffering from it would arch their backs in pain which resembled a then, popular dance maneuver, the "grecian bend."  funny how medical terms originate.

Question 7

what are reasons why symptoms of decompression sickness are often delayed?

Accepted Answer

Bends: If one doesn't ascend from depth (scuba diving)  in a prescribed manner bubbles of nitrogen are trapped in the joints, soft tissues and arterioles causing pain symptoms.
One then needs to undergo time in a decompression chamber where they take you down to depth and bring to sea level more slowly.
Ask your PMD for referral to a dive specialist ASAP, if left untreated can have lasting ramifications

Question 8

how soon after deep sea diving and experiencing mild decompression sickness would symptoms of avn develop?

Accepted Answer

AVN: Are you referring to avascular necrosis?  It would take a very long time after the exposure to develop avascular necrosis.

Question 9

how does decompression sickness affect the brain?

Accepted Answer

Air embolism: The brain is damaged due to lack of oxygen caused by bubbles in the arterial circulation.  The bubbles lodge in the small arteries, preventing blood from getting to the brain.  The brain can only tolerate lack of oxygen for 5 to 6 minutes, after which it starts to die (stroke).

Question 10

please explain if it is possible to get a mild form of decompression sickness from laying in a bath tub full of water for too long?

Accepted Answer

No: The pressure level is not high enough to cause dcs.

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Doctor answers about:

Cause of decompression sickness

A member asked:

What is this decompression sickness?

A member asked:

Hi doctors, was just wondering what is decompression sickness?

A member asked:

Can you get decompression sickness from a tank?

A member asked:

Could you pick up decompression sickness from a bath?

A member asked:

How does decompression sickness affect homeostasis?

A member asked:

Why do divers call decompression sickness "the bends"?

A member asked:

What are reasons why symptoms of decompression sickness are often delayed?

A member asked:

How soon after deep sea diving and experiencing mild decompression sickness would symptoms of avn develop?

A member asked:

How does decompression sickness affect the brain?

A member asked:

Please explain if it is possible to get a mild form of decompression sickness from laying in a bath tub full of water for too long?

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