What is the most common symptom of decompression sickness?

The most common symptom of decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," is joint pain. This pain is typically due to nitrogen bubbles forming in the tissues and joints after a diver ascends too quickly from a dive. When a diver is subjected to high pressure underwater, nitrogen from the air they breathe dissolves into their body. If the diver ascends too rapidly, the pressure decreases too quickly for the nitrogen to safely exit from the body, leading to the formation of bubbles. These bubbles can cause significant discomfort and are often experienced in the joints, which is why joint pain is a primary indicator of decompression sickness.

Recognizing joint pain as a symptom is crucial for divers, as it can help differentiate decompression sickness from other potential diving-related ailments. Other symptoms, such as chest pain, nausea, and fatigue, may also occur, but they are not as frequently reported as joint pain in cases of decompression sickness. Understanding this symptom is vital for divers to ensure timely recognition and treatment of this serious condition.