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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
09:54
A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
Published on: December 22, 2016
Decompression Sickness; Not Only in Divers: Altitude as a Risk Factor.
Oded Ben-Ari1, Daniel Gabbai2, Idan Nakdimon2
1Department of Military Medicine and "Tzameret", Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel, Department of Aviation Physiology, Israeli Air Force Aeromedical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Altitude decompression sickness (ADCS) is rare in altitude chamber training, affecting less than 1% of individuals. Musculoskeletal symptoms are most common, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) remains the primary treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Physiology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) arises from rapid pressure reduction, affecting divers and individuals in hypobaric environments like altitude chambers.
- DCS presents as Type 1 (musculoskeletal/skin) or Type 2 (neurological/pulmonary), with potential for life-threatening outcomes requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of altitude decompression sickness (ADCS) during altitude chamber training.
- To compare the clinical presentation and treatment of ADCS with diving-related DCS (DDCS).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed ADCS cases within the Israeli Air Force from 2015 to 2022.
- Data collected included demographics, training details, clinical symptoms, and treatments, with DDCS data sourced from literature reviews.
Main Results:
- The study identified 11 cases of ADCS among 2279 participants, yielding a 0.5% risk. Four additional cases occurred post-combat flights.
- Musculoskeletal symptoms were prevalent in both ADCS and DDCS. Shorter HBOT protocols were more frequently used for ADCS (53%) compared to DDCS (30%).
Conclusions:
- Altitude decompression sickness is an infrequent occurrence in altitude chamber trainees, with an incidence below 1%.
- Musculoskeletal symptoms are the most common manifestation of ADCS.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the established and primary treatment for ADCS.
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