## What Happens When You Come Up Too Fast Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a potentially dangerous activity. One of the most serious risks associated with scuba diving is decompression sickness, which can occur when you come up to the surface too quickly.
What is Decompression Sickness?
Decompression sickness is a condition that occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in your tissues as you ascend from a dive. These bubbles can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Paralysis
In severe cases, decompression sickness can be fatal.
What Causes Decompression Sickness?
Decompression sickness is caused by a buildup of nitrogen in your tissues. When you breathe air at sea level, the nitrogen in the air is dissolved in your blood and tissues. As you descend to deeper depths, the pressure of the water increases, which causes more nitrogen to dissolve in your tissues.
When you ascend from a dive, the pressure of the water decreases, which causes the nitrogen in your tissues to come out of solution. If you ascend too quickly, the nitrogen bubbles can form before your body has a chance to remove them.
What are the Symptoms of Decompression Sickness?
The symptoms of decompression sickness can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of decompression sickness may only cause joint pain or muscle pain. More severe cases can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, or paralysis.
How is Decompression Sickness Treated?
Decompression sickness is treated by recompression therapy. This involves placing the diver in a chamber that is pressurized to a level that is similar to the depth of the dive. The increased pressure helps to dissolve the nitrogen bubbles and relieve the symptoms of decompression sickness.
How Can I Prevent Decompression Sickness?
The best way to prevent decompression sickness is to follow the dive tables or dive computer. These tables and computers tell you how long you can safely stay at a given depth and how quickly you can ascend.
It is also important to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting after a dive. These activities can increase the risk of decompression sickness.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Decompression Sickness?
If you think you may have decompression sickness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to self-treat the condition. Decompression sickness can be a serious medical emergency.
Conclusion
Decompression sickness is a serious risk associated with scuba diving. However, it can be prevented by following the dive tables or dive computer and by avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting after a dive. If you think you may have decompression sickness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.