decompression sickness

1. N a disorder characterized by severe pain in muscles and joints, cramp, and difficulty in breathing, caused by a sudden and sustained decrease in air pressure, resulting in the deposition of nitrogen bubbles in the tissues 减压病; 由于周围气压突然或持续降低后在身体组织中形成氮气泡而引起的一种减压疾病，其特征为肌肉和关节剧痛，痉挛，呼吸困难 (Also called caisson disease, aeroembolismNontechnical name the bends)