## Decompression Sickness: A Serious Risk for Scuba Divers
### Introduction
Scuba diving is an exhilarating activity that allows people to explore the underwater world. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with scuba diving, one of which is decompression sickness. Decompression sickness occurs when a diver ascends too quickly from a dive, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the body’s tissues. These bubbles can block blood vessels and cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, paralysis, and even death.
### Symptoms of Decompression Sickness
The symptoms of decompression sickness can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may only cause minor pain, while severe cases can be life-threatening. Symptoms of decompression sickness include:
– Pain in the joints, muscles, or abdomen
– Numbness or tingling in the extremities
– Difficulty breathing
– Nausea and vomiting
– Fatigue
– Dizziness
– Confusion
– Paralysis
### Causes of Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness is caused by a buildup of nitrogen bubbles in the body’s tissues. Nitrogen is a gas that is found in the air we breathe. When a diver descends underwater, the pressure of the water increases, causing the nitrogen in the diver’s body to dissolve into the tissues. As the diver ascends, the pressure decreases, causing the nitrogen to come out of solution and form bubbles.
The rate at which a diver ascends can affect the risk of decompression sickness. If a diver ascends too quickly, the nitrogen bubbles will not have time to dissolve and will form in the body’s tissues. This can lead to decompression sickness.
### Risk Factors for Decompression Sickness
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of decompression sickness, including:
– Diving at depths greater than 100 feet
– Diving for long periods of time
– Ascending too quickly from a dive
– Being overweight or obese
– Having a history of decompression sickness
– Taking certain medications, such as steroids or alcohol
### Treatment for Decompression Sickness
The treatment for decompression sickness is to recompression therapy. Recompression therapy involves placing the diver in a chamber that is pressurized to a level that is greater than the pressure at the depth at which the diver was diving. This helps to dissolve the nitrogen bubbles and relieve the symptoms of decompression sickness.
### Preventing Decompression Sickness
There are a number of things that divers can do to prevent decompression sickness, including:
– Diving within the recommended depth and time limits
– Ascending slowly from a dive
– Making safety stops during the ascent
– Staying hydrated
– Avoiding alcohol and caffeine before and after diving
– Getting a physical exam before diving, especially if you have a history of decompression sickness
– Taking a diving course that includes instruction on decompression sickness
### Conclusion
Decompression sickness is a serious risk for scuba divers. However, it can be prevented by following the recommended guidelines for diving. If you experience any symptoms of decompression sickness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.