Barotrauma and Decompression Sickness in Diving

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts, symptoms, and treatments related to barotrauma and decompression sickness (DCS) in diving disciplines.

What causes barotrauma?

Barotrauma is caused by abnormal air pressure.

What is decompression sickness (DCS)?

DCS is a condition resulting from a rapid ascent causing gas bubbles to form in the body.

What happens to gas solubility in tissues when a diver descends?

Gas solubility increases in body tissues and blood during descent.

What law explains the increase of gas solubility with depth?

Henry's Law describes that gas solubility in liquids is proportional to the partial pressure of the gas.

What symptoms may indicate decompression sickness?

Symptoms can include joint pain, muscle spasms, and neurological problems.

Why should divers ascend slowly?

Ascending slowly allows excess gas to be expelled through normal respiration.

What is the effect of nitrogen narcosis?

Nitrogen narcosis causes an intoxicating effect and affects decision-making ability at depths greater than 25m.

What is the recommended ascent rate to avoid DCS?

The recommended ascent rate is 10 meters per minute.

What equipment is used to deliver air at ambient pressure while diving?

Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) delivers air at ambient pressure.

What is a key treatment for decompression sickness?

The administration of oxygen and transport to a recompression chamber.

At what depth is hyperbaric treatment for DCS usually administered?

Hyperbaric treatment is usually at 18.5m seawater pressure.

What can happen if a diver ascends too quickly?

If a diver ascends too quickly, gas bubbles can form throughout the body.

When did the first documented cases of DCS occur?

The first documented cases of DCS occurred among construction workers in the 19th century.

What is the modern risk of DCS unrelated to diving?

DCS can occur due to a sudden loss of cabin pressure in airplanes.

What is the significance of the term 'The Bends'?

'The Bends' refers to the condition of DCS where gas bubbles form in joints and muscles.

What are commercial divers using to manage nitrogen exposure?

Commercial divers often use Heliox or Tri-Mix gases to manage nitrogen exposure.

What is the effect of oxygen toxicity at high partial pressures?

Oxygen becomes toxic at partial pressures greater than 1.6 atm, causing convulsions.

What are potential symptoms of nitrogen narcosis?

Loss of motor function and deterioration in decision-making ability.

How does nitrogen behave under high pressure?

Nitrogen can act like an anesthetic and produce intoxicating effects.

What is the correlation between depth and nitrogen narcosis?

Narcosis correlates with depth; approximately 1 unit of alcohol effect for every 10m of depth.

Why is it not feasible to dive with pure oxygen?

Diving with pure oxygen requires significantly shallow depths to avoid toxicity.

What pressure increases as a diver descends?

Total pressure increases by 1 atmosphere for every 10m of depth.

What was the first fatal case of DCS related to?

It involved a worker in a caisson at a depth of 75 feet in 1872.

What is the physiological cause of symptoms in decompression sickness?

Gas bubbles forming around joints, muscles, and in the bloodstream cause symptoms.

Who should recognize and treat decompression sickness to ensure a good outcome?

Early recognition and referral to a specialized center significantly improve outcomes.

When should sport divers avoid flying post-dive?

Sport divers should avoid flying for 24 hours after their last dive.

What are high-risk conditions for DCS in non-diving situations?

DCS can occur from rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, such as in airplane incidents.

What was a significant finding from the study of decompression sickness in Ireland?

There has been an increase in the incidence of DCS among modern divers.

What types of tissues take longer to eliminate excess gas after diving?

Tissues with high fat content, such as bone marrow, take longer to eliminate excess gas.

What happens during a sudden change in pressure while diving?

Sudden changes can lead to conditions like pneumothorax or mediastinal emphysema.

What is Dalton’s Law's relevance to diving?

Dalton’s Law states that gas partial pressures contribute to total pressure experienced by divers.

Why is it important to wear a mask quickly during diving?

To prevent DCS and hypoxia.

Which organization specializes in underwater medicine for DCS treatment in Ireland?

The department of Underwater Medicine at University College Hospital, Galway.

What reduces risk during ascent from deep dives?

The controlled ascent and sufficient decompression time.

What is the function of SCUBA gear?

SCUBA gear allows divers to breathe and manage breathing under water.

What happens to oxygen levels during deep diving?

Diver breathes high-pressure air resulting in higher O2 and N2 levels.

How can divers mitigate risks associated with nitrogen during dives?

By using gas mixtures like Heliox, divers can dilute nitrogen exposure.

What is the term for the injury caused by rapid changes in pressure during diving?

Barotrauma.

What law explains the relationship of gas concentration to its pressure?

Henry’s Law.

What physiological changes occur as a diver ascends?

As a diver ascends, ambient pressure decreases and gases come out of solution.

What is a historical reference to DCS during construction dugouts?

Caisson Disease described incidents during the construction of structures like the Brooklyn Bridge.

How do bubbles from DCS form in the body?

Bubbles can form in places like joints, muscles, and capillary beds from gas coming out of solution.

What pressure can divers expect at a depth of 20m?

At 20m, divers encounter about 3 atmospheres of pressure.

What is the recommended ascent strategy to reduce decompression problems?

Ascend slowly and stop for decompression stops at various depths.

What should divers be aware of concerning pressure changes while diving?

Pressure changes during a dive can lead to injuries like barotrauma.

What measures are taken to treat advanced decompression sickness?

Immediate oxygen therapy and recompression in a hyperbaric chamber.

Where does nitrogen narcosis often manifest during a dive?

Nitrogen narcosis manifests at deeper depths, primarily impacting cognitive functions.

What is the role of percent in diving gas mixtures?

Adjusting percentages of gases in mixtures helps to prevent DCS.

What heightens the risk of DCS during flight?

Flying shortly after diving increases the risk of DCS due to changes in pressure.

How do changes in atmospheric pressure affect divers?

Changes in pressure can cause gas to come out of solution leading to DCS.

What historical event illustrates the impact of DCS in construction?

Fatalities during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge highlight DCS risks.

What key factor can lead to impaired judgment during diving?

Increased nitrogen levels due to depth can impair judgment, similar to alcohol.

What type of breathing apparatus is essential for divers?

Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) is essential for safe diving.

What term describes the condition where gas bubbles form in tissues?

Decompression sickness or 'The Bends' describes the bubble formation.

How long should divers wait before flying after diving?

Divers should wait at least 24 hours before flying after diving.

What is a common medical outcome for divers who experience DCS?

Symptoms may appear within 24 hours post-dive, necessitating treatment.