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Lesson 5: Other E.ects of High Altitude Flight > High Altitude Sicknesses > Evolved Gas Decompression Sickness: Facto… 
Repetitive Repetitive exposures to altitudes above 18,000 ft within a short period of time (few hours)
exposures also increase the risk of developing altitude Decompression Sickness.

The faster the rate of ascent to altitude, the greater the risk of developing altitude decompression
Rate of sickness. An individual exposed to a rapid decompression (high rate of ascent) above 18,000 ft
ascent has a greater risk of altitude decompression sickness than being exposed to the same altitude at
a lower rate of ascent.

The longer the duration of the exposure to altitudes of 18,000 ft and above, the greater the risk of
Time at
altitude decompression sickness. Time at altitude has been shown to be the strongest predictor
altitude
of decompression sickness.

Age There are some reports indicating a higher risk of decompression sickness with increasing age.

Previous There is some indication that recent joint or limb injuries may predispose individuals to
injury developing “the Bends.”

Ambient Exposure to very cold ambient temperatures may increase the risk of altitude decompression
temperature sickness.

A person who has a high body fat content may be at greater risk of altitude decompression
Body type
sickness, as nitrogen is stored in greater amounts in fat tissues.

When a person is physically active while Jying at altitudes above 18,000 ft, there is greater risk of
Exercise
altitude decompression sickness.

Alcohol The after-eLects of alcohol consumption, such as dehydration, increase susceptibility to

consumption decompression sickness.

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