Bones, caisson disease of arthritis, cord involvement, or deafness

Bones, caisson disease of arthritis, cord involvement, or deafness

Caisson disease is a condition that can occur in people who work in compressed air environments, such as deep-sea divers, tunnel workers, or construction workers. It is also known as decompression sickness, and it can cause a range of symptoms, including arthritis, cord involvement, deafness, and other complications.

Causes

Caisson disease is caused by a rapid change in pressure that can cause bubbles of nitrogen to form in the bloodstream and tissues. This can occur when a person ascends too quickly from a compressed air environment, leading to the following causes:

• Diving
• High-altitude flying
• Tunnel construction
• Mining
• Other compressed air environments

Symptoms

The symptoms of caisson disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common symptoms include:

• Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness (caisson disease arthritis)
• Muscle weakness or paralysis (cord involvement)
• Dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Skin rashes or itching
• Fatigue or weakness
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs (decompression sickness)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of caisson disease typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including:

• Blood tests to check for signs of nitrogen bubbles and other abnormalities
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to evaluate the extent of joint damage or cord involvement
• Audiometry or other hearing tests to evaluate the extent of hearing loss (deafness)