Decompression sickness, also known as "the bends", is caused when nitrogen bubbles form inside the body after ascending too quickly from diving or mining. Nitrogen enters the bloodstream during diving or mining due to breathing compressed air at depth, and if a diver ascends too quickly, the nitrogen cannot exit the body fast enough. Symptoms can include joint pain, itching, rash, or paralysis and can occur from one to six hours after improper diving or decompression. While there is no cure for decompression sickness, treatment involves giving the patient high-concentration oxygen, staying hydrated, and keeping warm.

1. Decompression Sickness“The Bends”Thad Murphy4-1-11A&P

2. DCSDecompression Sickness is an illness that is most commonly found in divers and miners

3. What Is Decompression Sickness?DCS is caused when nitrogen bubbles form inside the body after ascending to fast.As the pressure from the water presses on our skin, it is more difficult for the nitrogen to escape.

4. Nitrogen is usually released when a person exhales. If a diver is breathing compressed air they cannot release all of there nitrogen.

5. If nitrogen gets into the blood stream it can restrict blood flow to the lungs.Nitrogen bubbles can also get into the brain or spinal cord causing paralysis or even death.

6. How do I know if I have DCS?A person has to go diving in order to get DCS, but a person is not going to get DCS just because they go diving.

7. SymptomsSigns may occur anywhere from one to six hours after improper diving.Signs of mild DCS may include joint pain, itching, and rash.

8. CureThere is no absolute cure for The Bends but it can be treated by:Giving patient 100% oxygen through a maskHydrationAnd keeping them warm and conscious.

9. Works citedhttp://www.suite101.com/content/decompression-sickness-and-scuba-diving-a79997http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/diseases/decompression_sickness.htm