Dekompressio

Dekompressio is a term used in several languages to denote the process of reducing pressure or relieving internal pressure. It generally refers to transitions from a higher‑pressure state to a lower‑pressure state and can be used across different contexts, including physical systems, biological or medical settings, and information technology.

In physics and engineering, decompression describes the release of pressurization in a system, such as a gas contained in a vessel, a submarine hull, or a borehole. Rapid or uncontrolled decompression can create hazards due to gas expansion, structural stress, or the formation of bubbles in liquids.

In diving, decompression refers to the controlled ascent schedule that allows inert gases dissolved in tissues under pressure to be released safely as the diver rises toward the surface. Inadequate decompression can cause decompression sickness, with symptoms ranging from joint and muscle pain to neurological effects. Decompression planning relies on models, tables, or dive computers, often incorporating staged stops and safety pauses to manage ascent rate and gas elimination.

In medicine, decompression can denote relief of abnormal pressure within tissues or cavities, or surgical procedures aimed at removing pressure on nerves or organs, such as decompressive surgeries for nerve compression. In the context of gas embolism or decompression sickness, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to accelerate gas elimination and improve tissue oxygenation.

In computing, decompression is the process of restoring compressed data to its original form using a decompression algorithm. It is the inverse of compression and is essential for data storage, transmission, and media playback, with formats such as ZIP, gzip, and various image and video codecs.