decompression sickness

English

Noun

decompression sickness (uncountable, abbreviation DCS)

  1. (pathology) A sometimes fatal condition resulting from the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood and tissues, because of too rapid decompression, seen especially in deep-sea divers ascending rapidly from a dive. It is characterized by severe pains in the joints and chest, skin irritation, cramps, nausea, and paralysis.
    Synonyms: aeroembolism, aeroemphysema, the bends, caisson disease
    • 2026 May 16, Donna Ferguson, “Maldives diver dies in operation to recover bodies of Italians from cave”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian‎[1], London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 24 October 2026:
      The diver suffered underwater decompression sickness after searching for the bodies of the Italians who, according to Italy’s foreign ministry, had “apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 metres (164ft)”.

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