 |
|
A Review of Decompression Sickness and Arterial Gas Embolism
Thomas J. Beckman, MD
Arch Fam Med. 1997;6(5):491-494.
Abstract
Scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving causes a number of deaths in the United States each year. Decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism are 2 diagnoses that contribute to this mortality. Although most patients who experience decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism go to their primary care physicians foran initial evaluation, few providers have sufficient training in the diagnosis and treatment of these bubble-related diseases. Knowledge of the fundamentals of decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism should help physicians in making accurate diagnoses and in arranging for timely referrals to recompression facilities.
Author Affiliations
From the Naval Medical Clinic, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
|
