Pathophysiology A diver or compressed-air worker breathing air under increased ambient pressure takes up additional quantities of O2 and N2 in solution in the blood and tissues. The consequences of bubble formation from dissolved gas are known as decompression sickness, caisson disease, or the bends. The table provides a pattern of ascent that normally allows excess inert gas to escape harmlessly.
Repetitive dives are a major source of difficulty.
Some divers are unaware that an excess of inert gas remains in the body after every dive and increases with each subsequent exposure. Dives conducted at altitude and flying after diving require special procedures or precautions. Spending 24 h at the surface before going to altitude is usually recommended. In divers, pain is most commonly reported in or near an arm joint. In compressed-air workers, joints of the leg are more often affected.