Compress Health Dictionary

Also known as caisson disease, this affects workers operating in compressed-air environments, such as underwater divers and workers in caissons (such as an ammunition wagon, a chest of explosive materials, or a strong case for keeping out the water while the foundations of a bridge are being built; derived from the French caisse, meaning case or chest). Its chief symptoms are pains in the joints and limbs (bends); pain in the stomach; headache and dizziness; and paralysis. Sudden death may occur. The condition is caused by the accumulation of bubbles of nitrogen in di?erent parts of the body, usually because of too-rapid decompression when the worker returns to normal atmospheric presure – a change that must be made gradually.... compressed air illness

See MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF.... compression syndrome

A firmly-applied, broad, elastic bandage applied to a limb to prevent the spread of venom injected after certain bites or stings. The pressure is enough to compress veins and lymphatic vessels, but not to cut off arterial supply and so it can remain on indefinitely. The bandage is first applied directlyover the envenomated area, and then extended over the entire limb which is then immobilised in a splint.... compression/immobilisation bandage

Compression of the outside of the sternum and ribs, effectively emptying and filling the heart to push blood through arteries to supply oxygen to the body - particularly to the brain.... external cardiac compression

Fomentations. External applications to soften tissue, allay inflammation or alleviate pain. They may take the form of a piece of soft cloth or other suitable material folded double (1) wrung out in a hot herbal infusion or (2) lint or flannel wrung out in hot water to which has been added Liquid extracts or the essential oils of Aromatherapy.

Requirements. Basin, towel, kettle of water, piece of cotton wool, oilcloth, binder and safety pins. Method: Place towel across basin; lay flannel on towel and press down. Pour on hot herbal infusion, decoction or tincture and thoroughly soak. Bring together ends of the towel and twist hands in opposite directions to squeeze out surplus fluid. Untwist towel, free the flannel, shake it out and apply direct to the skin. Smear affected skin with olive oil before application. Add a layer of cotton wool; cover with plastic or oilskin; bind in position and pin securely. Moisten compress when dry, every half hour or less.

Herbs commonly used: Chickweed, Comfrey, Elder, Linseed, Fenugreek seeds, Irish Moss, Marigold, Marshmallow, Mullein, Plantain, Slippery Elm, German Chamomile, Hounds Tongue. ... compresses

Also called cardiac compression massage (see cardiopulmonary resuscitation).... chest compression

(supine hypotension) compression of the aorta and inferior vena cava by a pelvic mass, such as the pregnant uterus, causing maternal hypotension when the woman adopts the supine position. The blood pressure usually returns to normal when the woman is turned onto a left lateral tilt.... aortocaval compression

an *ultrasound technique to look for deep vein *thrombosis. Pressing the vein with the ultrasound probe usually causes it to empty and flatten, which does not occur if there is thrombus in the lumen. See also venography.... compression venography

a technique to prevent thrombosis in bedridden patients. It uses an inflatable device that squeezes the calf when it inflates, preventing pools of blood forming behind the valves in the veins, thus mimicking the effects of walking.... intermittent pneumatic compression