decompression sickness

[/ˌdiːkəmˈpreʃən ˈsɪknəs/]
nounpl: cases of decompression sickness
doença descompressiva
1. A medical condition caused by the formation of nitrogen gas bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues when a person is exposed to a sudden decrease in atmospheric pressure, typically occurring in divers who surface too quickly
The diver developed decompression sickness after ascending too rapidly from deep water.
O mergulhador desenvolveu doença descompressiva após subir muito rapidamente da água profunda.
2. A potentially fatal condition characterized by joint pain, paralysis, respiratory distress, and neurological symptoms
Decompression sickness can cause severe pain in the joints and limbs.
A doença descompressiva pode causar dor severa nas articulações e membros.
Decompression sickness is a serious occupational hazard for commercial divers, military personnel, and recreational diving enthusiasts in both Brazil and the USA. The condition gained the nickname 'the bends' because affected individuals often contort their bodies in pain. In Brazil, diving safety protocols strictly follow international standards to prevent this condition. The term is primarily used in medical, occupational safety, and sports diving contexts.
NYC Slang
the bends (informal diving slang used in NYC and diving communities)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
the bendscaisson diseasediver's diseasenitrogen narcosis (related)barotrauma (related)

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
doença descompressiva
standard medical terminology used nationwide
General Brazilian
mal dos mergulhadores
colloquial term meaning 'diver's sickness'
Portugal
doença de descompressão
alternative Portuguese European terminology
Diving Community (International)
the bends (informal)
widely used colloquial term in English-speaking diving communities

Related Words

nitrogen bubblepressure changedecompression stopascent ratehyperbaric chamberdiving physiologypressure-related injury

Related Idioms & Phrases

get the bends
suffer from decompression sickness
ascend safely to avoid decompression sickness
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →