## What Happens When You Rise Too Fast When Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is a fantastic activity that allows you to explore the underwater world and see amazing sights. However, it’s important to be aware of the dangers involved in scuba diving, one of which is rising too fast.
When you rise too fast from a scuba dive, you can experience a condition called decompression sickness, or “the bends.” Decompression sickness occurs when the nitrogen that is dissolved in your blood and tissues is released too quickly, forming bubbles in your body. These bubbles can block blood vessels and cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Seizures
Paralysis
Death
The severity of decompression sickness depends on the number and size of the bubbles that form in your body. Small bubbles may not cause any symptoms, while large bubbles can be life-threatening.
## What Causes Decompression Sickness?
Decompression sickness is caused by a rapid decrease in pressure. When you dive, the pressure around you increases, and your body absorbs more nitrogen. When you ascend too quickly, the pressure around you decreases, and the nitrogen that is dissolved in your blood and tissues is released too quickly. This can cause bubbles to form in your body and lead to decompression sickness.
## How to Avoid Decompression Sickness
The best way to avoid decompression sickness is to ascend slowly and follow the dive tables or dive computer. Dive tables and dive computers are used to calculate the amount of time you can spend at a given depth without experiencing decompression sickness.
Here are some tips for ascending slowly and avoiding decompression sickness:
Ascend at a rate of no more than 30 feet per minute (9 meters per minute).
Make frequent safety stops during your ascent. A safety stop is a period of time spent at a specific depth to allow your body to adjust to the decreasing pressure.
Use a dive computer to monitor your depth and ascent rate.
Listen to your body. If you experience any symptoms of decompression sickness, ascend slowly and seek medical attention.
## What to Do If You Experience Decompression Sickness
If you experience any symptoms of decompression sickness, ascend slowly and seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of recovery.
Treatment for decompression sickness typically involves recompression therapy. Recompression therapy is a procedure in which you are placed in a pressurized chamber to increase the pressure around you. This helps to dissolve the bubbles in your body and relieve your symptoms.
## Conclusion
Decompression sickness is a serious condition that can be avoided by ascending slowly and following the dive tables or dive computer. If you experience any symptoms of decompression sickness, ascend slowly and seek medical attention immediately.
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