decompression sickness

NOUN

condition caused by rapid change in atmospheric pressure

Synonyms

WEAK

aeroembolism air embolism bends caisson disease decompression disease diver's condition divers' palsy dysbaric illness the bends tunnel disease

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Small died of decompression sickness before he could be transported to a hospital.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2023

Whales have been observed suffering from decompression sickness, behavioural changes and strandings after being exposed to noise pollution from ships, oil and gas surveying and construction.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2023

When divers rose to the surface too fast, they risked decompression sickness, also known as the bends, where the wrong gases build up in the blood.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2022

Astronauts must also take steps to avoid decompression sickness, or “the bends.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 9, 2021

Others suggest that COVID-19 mimics physiology seen at high altitudes, or pulmonary decompression sickness, when a diver ascends to the surface too rapidly.

From Scientific American • Apr. 3, 2020