The "chokes" is a Type II (serious) decompression sickness (DCS) associated with pulmonary symptoms. It is uncommon but life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Occurrence: altitude-related or diving-related decompression
Pathophysiology: numerous small pulmonary gas emboli associated with sudden decompression
The patient feels severely ill.
Clinical features:
(1) substernal chest pain, that is made worse by inspiration
(2) shortness of breath (dyspnea)
(3) dry cough that is nonproductive and which may occur in paroxysms after inspiration
(4) variable cyanosis
(5) eventual collapse
Management: immediate hyperbaric therapy
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