A number of other causes, such as a pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or head injury, are also possible. When you breathe in a lot of CO2 while scuba diving or diving, you get this. In most cases, a toxic reaction to carbon dioxide (CO2) is the cause of DCS. Headaches, nausea, and confusion are common symptoms of DCS. The bubbles can reduce blood flow, causing tissue ischemia and necrosis.

In general, helicopter air ambulance service is the most efficient method of transportation.Ī buildup of gas bubbles in the blood and tissues is the cause of DCS, which can be fatal. We should start this process as soon as possible. Hyperbaric therapy is still the primary treatment option for people who suffer from decompression illness. What Is The Best Transport Decision For A Patient With Decompression Sickness? It is possible that a repeated DCS will cause bone damage, resulting in brittle bones or joints collapsing and becoming arthritic.

What happens when you don’t treat bends? When pain from the joints does not subside after a certain amount of time, it can result in small areas of bone damage (osteonecrosis). The severity of the symptoms can sometimes rise until they require medical attention, and it can also have long-term consequences. Will the bends turn away on their own? In some cases, symptoms may not appear or may even go away entirely. Damage to the head from DCS can lead to long-term brain damage. Can we escape the bends? Treatment with 100% oxygen and followed by recompression in a hyperbaric chamber typically does not result in long-term side effects. Decompression sickness increases significantly if you fly at altitudes above 25,000 feet. Flying And Decompression Sickness: What You Need To KnowĬan flying increase the risk of Degenerative Decompression Sickness (DDS)? Degenerative sickness is more likely to develop at high altitudes (18,000 to 25,000 feet).

Dan is always available to assist divers, dive professionals, and medical professionals with questions about diving symptoms. Diver who have experienced skin bends in other types of decompression sickness should not fly unless medically cleared by a doctor who specializes in diving medicine.

Skin bends