(ar‵ō-em'bŏ-lizm )

[aero- + embolism]

A condition in which nitrogen bubbles form in body fluids and tissues due to an excessively rapid decrease in atmospheric pressure, occurring either during ascent to high altitudes or in resurfacing from deep-sea diving or in hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Symptoms: Symptoms include a boring, gnawing pain in the joints, itching of skin and eyelids, unconsciousness, convulsions, and paralysis. Symptoms are relieved by recompression, i.e., return to lower altitudes or placement of the patient in a hyperbaric pressure chamber. Even though oxygen by masks may be available, ascents above 25,000 ft should be avoided except in aircraft with pressurized cabins.

SEE: hyperbaric chamber.