What is decompression illness?
A diver with decompression illness has symptoms and physical findings that occur when ascending to the surface too quickly after a dive. If a diver ascends too rapidly, inhaled nitrogen forms bubbles in the bloodstream. The bubbles interfere with blood flow, which reduces the supply of oxygen to organs.

What are the symptoms of decompression illness?
Common symptoms of decompression illness include chest pain, breathing difficulty, difficulty walking, joint pains, and muscle pain.

How does the doctor treat decompression illness?
Treatment for decompression illness may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, narcotic pain medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain.