## Treating Nitrogen Narcosis While Scuba Diving With Helium
Nitrogen narcosis is a condition that can occur when a diver breathes air at depths below 100 feet (30 meters). It is caused by the increased pressure of nitrogen in the body, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
Euphoria
Dizziness
Confusion
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of coordination
Unconsciousness
If nitrogen narcosis is not treated, it can lead to serious injury or death.
The best way to treat nitrogen narcosis is to ascend to a shallower depth. This will reduce the pressure of nitrogen in the body and allow the symptoms to subside. In some cases, oxygen may also be administered to help speed up the recovery process.
Preventing Nitrogen Narcosis
The best way to prevent nitrogen narcosis is to dive within the recommended depth limits. For most divers, this means staying above 100 feet (30 meters). If you are planning to dive deeper than this, you should use a gas mixture that contains less nitrogen, such as helium.
## Helium
Helium is a gas that is much less dense than nitrogen. This means that it can be used to create a breathing gas mixture that is less likely to cause nitrogen narcosis. Helium is also non-toxic and does not have any negative effects on the human body.
Using Helium to Treat Nitrogen Narcosis
If you are experiencing symptoms of nitrogen narcosis, you can ascend to a shallower depth and breathe a gas mixture that contains helium. This will help to reduce the pressure of nitrogen in the body and allow the symptoms to subside.
Benefits of Using Helium
There are a number of benefits to using helium to treat nitrogen narcosis, including:
It is effective in reducing the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis.
It is non-toxic and does not have any negative effects on the human body.
It is easy to administer.
Risks of Using Helium
There are a few risks associated with using helium to treat nitrogen narcosis, including:
It can be expensive.
It can be difficult to find in some areas.
It can cause a condition called helium voice syndrome.
## Helium Voice Syndrome
Helium voice syndrome is a condition that can occur when a person breathes helium for a prolonged period of time. It is caused by the helium in the lungs vibrating the vocal cords, which produces a high-pitched, squeaky voice. Helium voice syndrome is not harmful, but it can be annoying.
Conclusion
Nitrogen narcosis is a serious condition that can occur when a diver breathes air at depths below 100 feet (30 meters). The best way to treat nitrogen narcosis is to ascend to a shallower depth and breathe a gas mixture that contains less nitrogen, such as helium. Helium is a safe and effective way to treat nitrogen narcosis, but it can be expensive and difficult to find in some areas.