Abstract:
Dysbarism is the collective term used to describe the pathologic changes that occur when the human body is exposed to environmental pressure changes (alternobaric exposure). Those altered pressures are translated into unphysiologic behavior of gases in organs and tissues. Failure to adequately or timely adapt to those changes, can generate (depending on a number of exposure and individual factors) the different clinical syndromes of dysbarism. Alternobaric exposure is a concern in a number of occupational and recreational activities, such as diving, compressed air work (as in tunnel construction and caisson work), as well as in aviation, mountain climbing, and high-altitude flying.
