DCI Flashcards
factors that increase DCI risk (affect blood flow and/ or nitrogen uptake/ release)
Obesity hard work alcohol/ dehydration (blood surface tension in low so easier for bubbles to form) cold previous DCI PFO Lack of fitness
what does DCI stand for?
Decompression Illness
What is DCI?
Rapid decreases in pressure (ascent) causes nitrogen bubbles to form in tissues and blood stream
fast tissue vs slow tissue
Fast: quick absorption and release of bubbles eg. good blood supply
slow: slow absorption and release of bubbles eg. fat
DCI signs and symptoms
Dizzy, co-ordination & balance lost, skin rash, itchy
50% of DCI symptoms begin within … hr of dive and 90% of symptoms within … hrs
1 hour 50%
6 hours 90%
What is evolution
progression of an illness
what is manifestation
signs and symptoms
progressive evolution of DCI
manifestations increasing
static evolution of DCI
no change in manifestation
spontaneously improving evolution of DCI
manifestation improve with no treatment
relapsing evolution of DCI
manifestations undergo a secondary deterioation
DCI limb manifestations
Deep aching pain in or around joint
DCI gridle manifestations
poorly localised pain normally (abdomen, pelvis or chest)
DCI neurological manifestations
CNS & peripheral systems affected
