## Why Can’t You Ascend Too Quickly Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is an amazing way to explore the underwater world, but it’s important to remember that ascending too quickly can be dangerous. Here’s why:
### Decompression Sickness
When you dive, nitrogen from the air you breathe dissolves into your body tissues. The deeper you dive and the longer you stay down, the more nitrogen is absorbed. If you ascend too quickly, the nitrogen can’t escape from your tissues fast enough and forms bubbles. These bubbles can block blood flow and cause decompression sickness, also known as the bends.
Symptoms of decompression sickness can include:
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Numbness or tingling
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Confusion
Seizures
Paralysis
In severe cases, decompression sickness can be fatal.
### Lung Overexpansion
If you ascend too quickly, the air in your lungs can expand and cause your lungs to burst. This is a rare but serious condition that can also be fatal.
### Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs. This can make it difficult to breathe and can be fatal. Pulmonary edema can be caused by ascending too quickly, especially if you have a history of heart or lung problems.
### How to Avoid Ascending Too Quickly
The best way to avoid ascending too quickly is to follow the dive tables. Dive tables tell you how long you can stay at a certain depth and how slowly you need to ascend. It’s important to follow the dive tables even if you’re feeling fine, because the symptoms of decompression sickness can take hours or even days to appear.
In addition to following the dive tables, there are other things you can do to avoid ascending too quickly:
Make frequent safety stops on your way up.
Ascend at a rate of no more than 30 feet per minute.
Use a computer to monitor your depth and ascent rate.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids before and after your dive.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and after your dive.
If you have any concerns about ascending too quickly, talk to your dive instructor or a medical professional.
## Conclusion
Ascending too quickly scuba diving can be dangerous. By following the dive tables and taking other precautions, you can help prevent decompression sickness, lung overexpansion, and pulmonary edema.