What is a common manifestation of decompression illness monitored by AE teams?

• A. Joint or limb pain, confusion, dyspnea, or neuro symptoms after exposure to rapid altitude changes
• B. Skin rash only
• C. Hair loss
• D. Digestive upset

Answer: (A)

Decompression illness happens when a rapid drop in ambient pressure causes dissolved nitrogen to come out of solution and form bubbles in the blood and tissues. In air medical transport and evacuation, these bubbles most commonly disrupt musculoskeletal and nervous system function, and can also impair breathing. That combination—joint or limb pain (the bends), confusion or other neurological symptoms, and shortness of breath after exposure to rapid altitude changes—is the classic pattern AE teams monitor for, because it signals bubbles affecting multiple organ systems and requires rapid evaluation and treatment.

The other possibilities don’t fit as well. A rash by itself isn’t the typical presenting feature of decompression illness in this context, and hair loss or digestive upset aren’t characteristic manifestations of DCI related to pressurized flight. If DCI is suspected, the immediate steps involve oxygen and prompt evacuation for hyperbaric treatment.