decompression sickness
noun
: a sometimes fatal condition that is caused by the release of gas bubbles typically of nitrogen as it leaves its dissolved form throughout the body upon a rapid decrease in barometric pressure (such as that experienced by the rapid ascent of a diver from a deep dive or the rapid ascent of a pilot to high altitudes in a poorly pressurized aircraft) and that is marked chiefly by joint pain which may be accompanied in mild forms by fatigue and itching or burning of the skin and in more severe forms by shortness of breath, chest pain, paralysis, and confusion
called also bends, caisson disease
Examples of decompression sickness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shortly after liftoff, the Dragon's pressure began to slowly lower while oxygen levels inside the cabin increased, helping purge nitrogen from the crew members' bloodstreams and lower the risk of decompression sickness, SpaceX said.
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Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2024
To avoid decompression sickness, the crew had their nitrogen removed from their blood in a process pre-takeoff.
—Adam Carlson, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024
The protocol is intended to prepare them for the spacewalk and lower the risk of decompression sickness, SpaceX said.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024
Additionally, the Polaris Dawn crew will test Starlink’s satellite internet technology to communicate with Earth, as well as conduct research on decompression sickness and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome.
—Emma Roth, The Verge, 10 Sep. 2024
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Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2024
To avoid decompression sickness, the crew had their nitrogen removed from their blood in a process pre-takeoff.
—Adam Carlson, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024
The protocol is intended to prepare them for the spacewalk and lower the risk of decompression sickness, SpaceX said.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024
Additionally, the Polaris Dawn crew will test Starlink’s satellite internet technology to communicate with Earth, as well as conduct research on decompression sickness and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome.
—Emma Roth, The Verge, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decompression sickness
Dictionary Entries Near decompression sickness
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“Decompression sickness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompression%20sickness. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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