Editing Decompression sickness (section)

== Classification ==
DCS is classified by symptoms. The earliest descriptions of DCS used the terms: "bends" for joint or skeletal pain; "chokes" for breathing problems; and "staggers" for neurological problems.{{sfn|Francis & Mitchell, ''Manifestations''|p=578}} In 1960, Golding ''et al.'' introduced a simpler classification using the term "Type I ('simple')" for symptoms involving only the [[skin]], [[musculoskeletal system]], or [[lymphatic system]], and "Type II ('serious')" for symptoms where other organs (such as the [[central nervous system]]) are involved.{{sfn|Francis & Mitchell, ''Manifestations''|p=578}} Type II DCS is considered more serious and usually has worse outcomes.{{r|emed}} This system, with minor modifications, may still be used today.{{sfn|Marx|p=1908}} Following changes to treatment methods, this classification is now much less useful in diagnosis,{{sfn|Francis & Mitchell, ''Manifestations''|p=579}} since neurological symptoms may develop after the initial presentation, and both Type I and Type II DCS have the same initial management.{{r|Francis}}

=== Decompression illness and dysbarism ===
The term [[dysbarism]] encompasses decompression sickness, [[arterial gas embolism]], and [[barotrauma]], whereas decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism are commonly classified together as [[decompression illness]] when a precise diagnosis cannot be made.{{sfn|Francis & Mitchell, ''Manifestations''|p=580}} DCS and arterial gas embolism are treated very similarly because they are both the result of gas bubbles in the body.{{r|Francis}} The U.S. Navy prescribes identical treatment for Type II DCS and arterial gas embolism.{{r|USNDM2008}} Their spectra of symptoms also overlap, although the symptoms from arterial gas embolism are generally more severe because they often arise from an [[infarction]] (blockage of blood supply and tissue death).