## How to Prevent the Bends in Scuba Diving
The bends, also known as decompression sickness (DCS), is a serious diving injury that can occur when a diver ascends too quickly from depth. DCS is caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body’s tissues, which can block blood flow and cause tissue damage.
The bends can be a very serious injury, and in some cases it can even be fatal. However, DCS is preventable, and there are a number of steps that divers can take to reduce their risk of developing the bends.
### Symptoms of the Bends
The symptoms of the bends can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but they may include:
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Paralysis
### Causes of the Bends
The bends is caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body’s tissues. Nitrogen is a gas that is present in the air we breathe, and it is also dissolved in our blood. When we dive, the pressure of the water increases as we descend, which causes more nitrogen to dissolve in our blood.
If we ascend too quickly from depth, the pressure of the water decreases, and the nitrogen bubbles can come out of solution and form in our tissues. This can block blood flow and cause tissue damage.
### Risk Factors for the Bends
There are a number of factors that can increase a diver’s risk of developing the bends, including:
Diving to depths greater than 100 feet
Ascending too quickly from depth
Making repetitive dives
Being overweight or obese
Having a history of DCS
Dehydration
### Preventing the Bends
There are a number of steps that divers can take to reduce their risk of developing the bends, including:
Dive within your limits. Do not dive to depths that are beyond your experience level.
Ascend slowly from depth. The recommended ascent rate is 30 feet per minute.
Make safety stops. Safety stops are brief stops that divers make at depths of 10 feet and 20 feet during their ascent. These stops allow the body to off-gas nitrogen and reduce the risk of DCS.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can increase the risk of DCS. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your dive.
Consider using a dive computer. Dive computers can help divers track their depth, ascent rate, and other factors that can affect their risk of DCS.
Get regular medical checkups. Divers should get regular medical checkups to ensure that they are healthy enough to dive.
### Treatment for the Bends
If you think you may have the bends, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for the bends typically involves recompression therapy, which is a process in which the diver is placed in a hyperbaric chamber and exposed to increased pressure. This helps to dissolve the nitrogen bubbles and reduce the symptoms of DCS.
### Conclusion
The bends is a serious diving injury that can be prevented by following the proper safety guidelines. By diving within your limits, ascending slowly from depth, and making safety stops, you can help reduce your risk of developing the bends.