Definition
Decompression Illness (The Bends) is a disease of compressed gas divers, aviators, astronauts and caisson workers where gas bubbles form in tissues and/or the blood during or after a decrease in environmental pressure.2 In the United Kingdom (UK) this is most commonly seen in divers.
There are two types of decompression illness: decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). These will be explained in more detail further in the module.
Learning Bite
Decompression illness is a disease caused by a reduction in pressure, where gas bubbles form in the tissues or circulation causing damage. It includes both decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism.