decompression sickness

noun

: a sometimes fatal condition that is caused by the release of gas bubbles typically of nitrogen as it leaves its dissolved form throughout the body upon a rapid decrease in barometric pressure (such as that experienced by the rapid ascent of a diver from a deep dive or the rapid ascent of a pilot to high altitudes in a poorly pressurized aircraft) and that is marked chiefly by joint pain which may be accompanied in mild forms by fatigue and itching or burning of the skin and in more severe forms by shortness of breath, chest pain, paralysis, and confusion

called also bends, caisson disease

Examples of decompression sickness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shortly after liftoff, the Dragon's pressure began to slowly lower while oxygen levels inside the cabin increased, helping purge nitrogen from the crew members' bloodstreams and lower the risk of decompression sickness, SpaceX said. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2024

To avoid decompression sickness, the crew had their nitrogen removed from their blood in a process pre-takeoff. —Adam Carlson, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024

The protocol is intended to prepare them for the spacewalk and lower the risk of decompression sickness, SpaceX said. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024

Additionally, the Polaris Dawn crew will test Starlink’s satellite internet technology to communicate with Earth, as well as conduct research on decompression sickness and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

decompression sickness

noun

: bend entry 2 sense 3

Medical Definition

decompression sickness

noun

variants also decompression illness or decompression syndrome

: a sometimes fatal condition that is caused by the release of gas bubbles typically of nitrogen as it leaves its dissolved form throughout the body upon a rapid decrease in barometric pressure (such as that experienced by the rapid ascent of a diver from a deep dive or the rapid ascent of a pilot to high altitudes in a poorly pressurized aircraft)

Note: Decompression sickness is marked chiefly by joint pain and is often accompanied in mild forms by fatigue and itching or burning of the skin frequently with discoloration. More serious forms may manifest with shortness of breath, chest pain, numbness, muscle weakness or paralysis, visual disturbances, incontinence, confusion, and hypovolemic shock. Individuals affected with decompression sickness are typically treated in a hyperbaric chamber.

called also bends, caisson disease

see aeroembolism, choke entry 2 sense 2