## What Should You Not Do After Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an exciting and rewarding activity, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. One of the most important things you can do after scuba diving is to avoid doing anything that could increase your risk of decompression sickness (DCS).
DCS is a condition that can occur when nitrogen bubbles form in your bloodstream after you ascend from a dive. These bubbles can block blood flow to your vital organs, causing a variety of symptoms, including:
Pain in your joints, muscles, or bones
Numbness or tingling
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Seizures
Coma
In severe cases, DCS can be fatal.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of DCS, including:
Ascending slowly from your dive
Making safety stops at 15 feet and 10 feet for 3 minutes each
Avoiding strenuous activity after diving
Drinking plenty of fluids
Getting enough rest
In addition to these general precautions, there are a few specific things you should not do after scuba diving:
### Don’t fly
Flying after scuba diving can increase your risk of DCS. This is because the lower air pressure in an airplane cabin can cause nitrogen bubbles to form in your bloodstream.
The risk of DCS is greatest in the first 12 hours after diving. However, it can still occur up to 24 hours after diving. For this reason, it’s best to avoid flying for at least 24 hours after scuba diving.
If you must fly after diving, be sure to take the following precautions:
Choose a non-stop flight, if possible.
Sit in an aisle seat so you can get up and move around every few hours.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid alcohol.
### Don’t drink alcohol
Alcohol can dehydrate you, which can increase your risk of DCS. It can also impair your judgment, making you more likely to do something that could increase your risk of DCS.
For these reasons, it’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after scuba diving.
### Don’t do strenuous activity
Strenuous activity can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can both increase your risk of DCS.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after scuba diving. This includes activities such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects.
### Don’t get too hot
Getting too hot can also increase your risk of DCS. This is because heat can cause your blood vessels to dilate, which can allow nitrogen bubbles to form in your bloodstream.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid getting too hot for at least 24 hours after scuba diving. This includes activities such as sitting in a hot tub or sauna.
### Don’t take a hot bath or shower
Taking a hot bath or shower can increase your body temperature, which can increase your risk of DCS.
For this reason, it’s best to take a lukewarm bath or shower after scuba diving.
### Don’t massage the dive site
Massaging the dive site can increase blood flow to the area, which can increase your risk of DCS.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid massaging the dive site for at least 24 hours after scuba diving.
### Conclusion
Scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable activity, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. By following these simple precautions, you can help reduce your risk of DCS and other diving-related injuries.
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