A sign of decompression sickness can include?

• A. Joint pain
• B. Nausea
• C. Ear pain
• D. Cough

Answer: (D)

Decompression sickness happens when nitrogen bubbles form in tissues and blood after ascending, so signs depend on where those bubbles travel. A cough points to bubbles in the lungs, causing irritation and impaired gas exchange—this is pulmonary decompression sickness, often described as the chokes, and coughing is a recognized sign of that condition. While joint pain can occur with decompression sickness and ear pain can come from ear barotrauma, a cough specifically signals lung involvement. If coughing or breathing trouble appears after a dive, treat it as a potential decompression sickness: stop diving, ascend safely, provide 100% oxygen, and seek urgent medical care (recompression if trained and available).