ABSTRACT
DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS Decompression illness (DCI) occurs when inert nitrogen gas forms bubbles within the venous and lymphatic systems, or body tissues, rather than being eliminated by the lungs.
DIAGNOSIS
1 Symptoms may occur within minutes of surfacing or up to 48 hours after diving. It is important to look for and treat any patient who presents within hours of a dive as DCI until proven otherwise.
