a doença descompressiva / mal da descompressão / síndrome de descompressão
1. A serious medical condition caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream when a diver surfaces too quickly from deep water
The diver suffered from the bends after ascending too rapidly from 100 meters depth.
O mergulhador sofreu da doença descompressiva após subir muito rapidamente de 100 metros de profundidade.
2. Joint and muscle pain, decompression sickness affecting divers, aviators, or astronauts
He experienced severe pain in his shoulders and knees - classic symptoms of the bends.
Ele sentiu dor severa nos ombros e joelhos - sintomas clássicos da síndrome de descompressão.
While primarily a medical/diving term, 'the bends' is well-known in both American and Brazilian diving communities. The condition is a serious occupational hazard for professional divers, and awareness of decompression procedures is critical in both countries' diving safety protocols. The term originated in the 19th century from caisson workers who would bend forward in pain when affected by the condition.
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