Which condition is caused by pressure changes during ascent?

Decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, causing dissolved gases (primarily nitrogen) in the body to come out of solution and form bubbles. When a diver is underwater, the pressure is higher, and gases are more soluble in bodily fluids. Upon ascent, the pressure decreases rapidly, leading to a situation where the gases expand and can create bubbles within tissues and the bloodstream.

This condition can result in various symptoms depending on where the bubbles form and their impact on the body, ranging from joint and muscle pain to more serious complications such as paralysis or unconsciousness. Preventative measures, such as ascending slowly and performing safety stops, are crucial in avoiding decompression sickness during diving activities.

While other conditions like pulmonary embolism, lung rupture, and barotrauma may relate to pressure changes, they do not specifically describe the series of events and physiological implications associated with the rapid ascent that leads to decompression sickness.