Ebullism syndrome

Background

Ebullism syndrome, also known as ebullism or boiling blood syndrome, can occur if the ambient pressure is less than the vapor pressure ot normal body temperature. The condition is not remedied with O2 prebreathing as it occurs due to the formation of the gas phase of water due to lack of ambient pressure (vacuum).

Symptoms

Mild

  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Muscle weakness and fatigue
  • Skin rash or lesions
  • Respiratory distress
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • umbness, tingling, and confusion

Severe

Treatment

  • If affecting an extremity, a tight b

See Also

Pulmonary disorders of spaceflight Decompression sickness