## Decompression Sickness: When Scuba Diving Too Fast
Scuba diving is an exciting and rewarding activity, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. One of the most serious risks is decompression sickness, also known as “the bends.”
Decompression sickness occurs when a scuba diver ascends too quickly from a deep dive. This causes the nitrogen that has been dissolved in the diver’s tissues to come out of solution and form bubbles in the bloodstream. These bubbles can block blood vessels and cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Paralysis
Death
The severity of decompression sickness depends on a number of factors, including the depth of the dive, the length of the dive, and the rate of ascent. The deeper the dive, the longer the dive, and the faster the ascent, the greater the risk of decompression sickness.
There are a number of things that scuba divers can do to reduce their risk of decompression sickness, including:
Diving within their limits
Ascending slowly
Making safety stops at various depths during the ascent
Using a dive computer to monitor their depth and ascent rate
Drinking plenty of fluids before and after diving
If you experience any symptoms of decompression sickness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for decompression sickness typically involves recompression therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
### Symptoms of Decompression Sickness
The symptoms of decompression sickness can vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptoms include:
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Paralysis
Death
### Treatment for Decompression Sickness
The treatment for decompression sickness typically involves recompression therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Recompression therapy helps to reduce the size of the bubbles in the bloodstream and relieve the symptoms of decompression sickness.
### How to Prevent Decompression Sickness
There are a number of things that scuba divers can do to reduce their risk of decompression sickness, including:
Diving within their limits
Ascending slowly
Making safety stops at various depths during the ascent
Using a dive computer to monitor their depth and ascent rate
Drinking plenty of fluids before and after diving
### Conclusion
Decompression sickness is a serious risk for scuba divers, but it can be prevented by following the proper safety guidelines. By diving within their limits, ascending slowly, and making safety stops, scuba divers can help to reduce their risk of decompression sickness and enjoy a safe and enjoyable diving experience.