Decompressieziekte

Decompressieziekte, commonly known as the bends, is a condition that can affect divers and others who ascend too quickly from an environment with increased ambient pressure. It arises when gases, primarily nitrogen, dissolved in the body's tissues under pressure are released too rapidly, forming bubbles. These bubbles can obstruct blood flow and cause damage to various tissues and organs.

The symptoms of decompressieziekte can range from mild to severe and often appear shortly after surfacing, though they can also be delayed for several hours. Common signs include joint pain, skin rashes, dizziness, fatigue, and numbness or tingling sensations. More serious manifestations can involve paralysis, breathing difficulties, confusion, and even unconsciousness.

The risk of developing decompressieziekte is influenced by factors such as depth of dive, duration of exposure to pressure, ascent rate, and individual physiology. Divers mitigate this risk by adhering to dive tables and dive computers that dictate safe ascent profiles, incorporating decompression stops to allow dissolved gases to be safely eliminated from the body.

Treatment for decompressieziekte typically involves recompression, often in a hyperbaric chamber. This process gradually reduces the size of gas bubbles and allows nitrogen to be reabsorbed into the blood and eliminated more slowly. Prompt medical attention is crucial for individuals suspected of having decompressieziekte.