Dykkersyke

Dykkersyke, also known as decompression sickness or the bends, is a condition that can affect divers and individuals who ascend too quickly from high-pressure environments. It occurs when dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, in the body's tissues form bubbles as the external pressure decreases. This rapid change in pressure prevents the gases from being eliminated efficiently through respiration, leading to bubble formation within the bloodstream and tissues. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the bubbles, ranging from mild joint pain and skin rashes to neurological issues, paralysis, and even death.

The risk of dykkersyke increases with the depth and duration of exposure to high pressure, as well as the speed of ascent. Divers are trained to ascend slowly, often with mandatory decompression stops at specific depths, to allow dissolved gases to be released gradually. Treatment typically involves recompression in a hyperbaric chamber, which mimics the high-pressure environment and helps to shrink or dissolve the gas bubbles. Prevention is key, and proper dive planning, adherence to dive tables or dive computers, and avoiding rapid ascents are crucial for minimizing the risk of this potentially serious condition.