Altitude Decompression Sickness

Altitude decompression sickness occurs when a person ascends quickly to high altitudes, causing nitrogen absorbed in body tissues under pressure to form bubbles as the pressure decreases. These bubbles can interfere with blood flow and damage tissues, leading to symptoms like joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, neurological issues. It's similar to what divers experience with "the bends," but in the atmosphere. To prevent this, gradual ascent, proper acclimatization, and sometimes supplemental oxygen are recommended, allowing the body to safely adjust to lower pressure environments.