Discovery of caisson disease: a dive into the history of decompression sickness

Abstract

With the Industrial Revolution and the invention of compressed air came mysterious symptoms of unknown etiology. Through careful observation and diligent work from physicians in the 19th century, the true nature of caisson disease was identified and described. By studying thousands of casualties, these scientists were able to identify the cause of caisson disease, develop effective treatment plans for laborers, and institute procedures to prevent this malady. Over the next 100 years, numerous advancements in diving medicine would allow for the creation of the highly accurate dive tables that we have today. Much of our understanding of decompression sickness, however, still stems from the observations and scientific endeavors of the 1800s.

Keywords:

• Aerospace medicine
• caisson disease
• decompression sickness
• diving medicine
• hyperbaric medicine
• medical history
• occupational and preventive medicine