Decompression sickness in a private pilot

South Med J. 1995 Feb;88(2):227-9. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199502000-00013.

Abstract

Although safe, civil aviation can result in some unique medical problems. Most physicians are not familiar with aviation-related medical problems. One such problem, decompression sickness, is not mentioned in most medical texts, and is not included in most medical school instruction. If not promptly recognized and treated, decompression sickness can result in permanent disability or death. I report a case of altitude-induced decompression sickness after a flight in an unpressurized aircraft.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aerospace Medicine*
  • Aircraft / instrumentation
  • Decompression Sickness / diagnosis*
  • Decompression Sickness / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pressure