## Do You Float When You Come Up from Scuba Diving?
When you come up from a scuba dive, you may notice that you float more easily than usual. This is because the nitrogen that you absorbed into your tissues while diving is still being released. This nitrogen creates tiny bubbles in your body, which make you more buoyant.
The amount of time it takes for the nitrogen to be released from your body depends on how deep and how long you dived. The deeper you dive, the more nitrogen you will absorb. And the longer you stay down, the more time the nitrogen has to dissolve into your tissues.
## How Long Does It Take to Decompress?
The time it takes to decompress depends on a number of factors, including:
The depth of your dive
The length of your dive
Your age
Your weight
Your fitness level
## What Are the Symptoms of Decompression Sickness?
If you come up from a dive too quickly, you can develop decompression sickness (DCS). DCS is a serious condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Seizures
Coma
## How to Avoid Decompression Sickness
The best way to avoid DCS is to follow the decompression tables. These tables tell you how long you need to stay at each depth before you can safely come up.
If you are not sure how to use the decompression tables, you should dive with a dive buddy who is experienced in using them.
## What to Do If You Think You Have Decompression Sickness
If you think you have DCS, you should seek medical attention immediately. DCS is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
## How to Treat Decompression Sickness
DCS is treated by recompression. Recompression is a process that involves increasing the pressure around your body. This helps to force the nitrogen bubbles out of your tissues.
Recompression is usually done in a hyperbaric chamber. A hyperbaric chamber is a special room that is filled with compressed air. The pressure in the chamber is gradually increased until it reaches the pressure that you were at when you dived.
You will typically stay in the hyperbaric chamber for several hours. The length of time you stay in the chamber will depend on the severity of your DCS.
## Conclusion
Floating after a scuba dive is a common occurrence. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of DCS and to take steps to avoid it. By following the decompression tables and diving with a buddy, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable dive.