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Decompression sickness
Article Index
Decompression sickness
Introduction
History
Predisposing factors
Signs and symptoms
Treatment
Common pressure reductions that cause DCS
Leaving a high pressure environment
Ascent through water during a dive
Avoidance
Helium
Ascent to altitude in the atmosphere
Medical treatment
Effects of breathing pure oxygen
Scuba diving before flying
Diving at altitude
All Pages

Decompression sickness (DCS), the diver’s disease, the bends, or caisson disease is the name given to a variety of symptoms suffered by a person exposed to a decrease (nearly always after a big increase) in the pressure around the body. The body must adapt to the pressure following a rapid ascent. It is a type of diving hazard and dysbarism.