What condition is characterized by nitrogen bubbles in body tissues?

Decompression illness, commonly referred to as "the bends," occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths that expose the body to elevated levels of pressure and nitrogen absorption. Under increased pressure, nitrogen from the air we breathe dissolves into the body's tissues. If a diver ascends too quickly, the rapid reduction in pressure causes dissolved nitrogen to form bubbles in the tissues and bloodstream. These bubbles can lead to a range of symptoms, including joint pain, dizziness, and even life-threatening conditions if they obstruct blood flow.

In contrast, other options present different scenarios. Air embolism involves air bubbles entering the bloodstream, usually due to trauma or rapid ascent without clearing the lungs of air. Barotrauma relates to injuries caused by pressure changes affecting air-filled spaces in the body, such as ears or sinuses. Hyperventilation is the condition of breathing at an abnormally rapid rate, which can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels and symptoms like dizziness or tingling, but it does not involve nitrogen bubbles forming in tissues.