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

Shell Oil financed the expedition and, in return, received access to his until-then secret technology, notably his “cocktail” of gases to reduce decompression sickness, which helped make the company a leader in offshore oil exploration.

From Washington Post • Dec. 25, 2022

Another neglected hazard is decompression sickness among divers forced to make repeated deep dives, a common problem in harvesting lobster, sea cucumbers and conches, the report said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2022

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