Caissonitõbe

Caissonitõbe, commonly known as the bends or decompression sickness, is a condition that arises when dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, in the body form bubbles in tissues and the bloodstream during rapid ascent from a pressurized environment. This typically occurs in divers who ascend too quickly from depths where they have been exposed to increased ambient pressure. The gases that were dissolved into the body's tissues under pressure are unable to be expelled quickly enough by the lungs as the pressure decreases, leading to bubble formation.

Symptoms of caissonitõbe can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the bubbles. Mild cases may present with joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue. More severe symptoms can include neurological issues such as dizziness, paralysis, and cognitive impairment, as well as respiratory distress and cardiovascular problems. In extreme, untreated cases, caissonitõbe can be fatal.

Prevention of caissonitõbe is paramount in diving. Divers follow strict ascent protocols, utilizing "safety stops" at specific depths to allow for gradual off-gassing of dissolved gases. Dive computers and tables are used to calculate safe ascent rates based on depth and time spent underwater. Recompression therapy in a hyperbaric chamber is the primary treatment for caissonitõbe, where the patient is re-exposed to pressure to help dissolve the nitrogen bubbles and then gradually brought back to surface pressure to prevent further bubble formation.