What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the risk of decompression sickness in US Air Force students who traveled by air after altitude chamber exposure.
What They Found
During 1982-1987, out of 292 cases of decompression sickness (DCS) among altitude chamber students, only seven cases involved students who were asymptomatic before air travel and subsequently developed DCS. This suggests a small number of incidents where sequential chamber and aircraft hypobaric exposures initiated DCS.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients, particularly those with occupational or recreational exposures to significant altitude changes, should be aware of the potential for decompression sickness. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional regarding safe intervals between such exposures and subsequent air travel.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it focuses on United States Air Force personnel and regulations.
Study Limitations
A precise relative risk could not be determined because the percentage of students who postponed air travel after chamber exposure was unknown.