Define decompression sickness.

Decompression sickness, sometimes called the bends, occurs due to nitrogen in the bloodstream turning into gas bubbles – causing joint and muscle pains

It is usually as a result of a diver ascending too quickly

Describe how barotrauma can be treated.

Normally the Eustachian tube allows
equalization of this pressure
 (especially
after yawning, swallowing or chewing
gum).

Describe how barotrauma can be prevented.

Ears/sinuses

Equalise the pressure by clearing the Eustachian tube when pressure is changing

Do not fly with a cold or hay fever

Gut

Do not fly if you haven’t eaten regularly, have eaten gas causing food such as cabbage or fizzy drink

Describe the effects of barotrauma on the various parts of the body.

Stomach and intestines – abdominal pain caused by ‘wind’ (peptic ulcer / strangulated hernia also reported)

Sinuses – facial pain

Toothache – caused by air trapped in cavities

Ears / blocked Eustachian tube – ear pain / perforation

Lungs – spontaneous pneumothorax (condition when air leaks into the space between the lungs and chest wall)

[vfr_uTube p1=”gJt8KJaeU_U”]

This video is an overview of trapped gasses and the causes, treatment and prevention. 

Describe the symptoms of barotrauma.

Pain in the areas of trapped gasses:

• Abdominal pain
• Sinus / facial pain and
• Dental pain / toothache
• Ear pain 

Explain the causes of barotrauma.

When the pressure changes due to climbing or descending, the gases expands and contracts, this takes places when:

• Flying
• Diving
• Pressure from explosion

Define barotrauma.

Barotrauma is caused by the expansion of trapped gases in the body cavities due to changes in the pressure between ambient and semi-closed or closed cavities in the body. 

The applicable physical law is Boyle’s law. The law states that the volume (V) of gas is inversely proportional to its pressure (P), with temperature (T) remaining constant, i.e. P α 1/V

Areas affected by entrapped gasses include ears, sinuses, teeth, gut, and lungs

Describe the differences between hyperventilation and hypoxia

The early symptoms of hyperventilation can be the same as those of hypoxia – always treat as if it is hypoxia as this is a life threatening condition 

Describe how hyperventilation can be treated.

Place a paper bag over the mouth and try to get the person to regulate their breathing

Use polystyrene coffee cup or cupped hands if no paper bag available

This can help to build up CO2 in the blood again

Describe the symptoms of hyperventilation

• Rapid shallow breathing
• Light headedness
• Numbness and tingling of hands and feet and around the mouth
• Hand muscles can spasm
• Pain
• Fainting
• Flushed face