## Why You Should Never Hold Your Breath While Scuba Diving
Holding your breath while scuba diving is a dangerous practice that can lead to serious injury or even death. Here are the reasons why you should never hold your breath while scuba diving:
### It can cause a lung over-expansion injury.
When you hold your breath, the air in your lungs expands. This is because the pressure of the water around you is greater than the pressure of the air in your lungs. If you hold your breath for too long, the air in your lungs can expand too much and cause a lung over-expansion injury. This injury can be very serious and can require treatment in a recompression chamber.
### It can cause a nitrogen narcosis.
Nitrogen narcosis is a condition that can occur when you breathe compressed air at depths greater than 100 feet. Nitrogen narcosis causes a feeling of euphoria and a sense of detachment. It can also impair your judgment and coordination. If you hold your breath while diving at depths greater than 100 feet, you are more likely to experience nitrogen narcosis.
### It can cause a decompression sickness.
Decompression sickness is a condition that can occur when you ascend too quickly from a dive. When you ascend too quickly, the nitrogen that is dissolved in your blood and tissues can form bubbles. These bubbles can block blood vessels and cause pain, tissue damage, and even paralysis. If you hold your breath while ascending from a dive, you are more likely to experience decompression sickness.
### It can cause a blackout.
A blackout is a condition that can occur when you lose consciousness while scuba diving. Blackouts can be caused by a variety of factors, including holding your breath, hyperventilation, and dehydration. If you hold your breath while scuba diving, you are more likely to experience a blackout.
### It can lead to death.
Holding your breath while scuba diving can lead to death. If you experience a lung over-expansion injury, nitrogen narcosis, decompression sickness, or a blackout while holding your breath, you may not be able to recover and may die.
## How to Avoid Holding Your Breath While Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to avoid holding your breath while scuba diving:
Practice breathing continuously. The best way to avoid holding your breath is to practice breathing continuously. This means taking a slow, steady breath in and out through your mouth.
Use a dive computer. A dive computer can help you monitor your depth and ascent rate. This information can help you avoid holding your breath for too long or ascending too quickly.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you more likely to hold your breath. Drink plenty of fluids before and after your dive.
Avoid hyperventilation. Hyperventilation can also make you more likely to hold your breath. Take slow, deep breaths before and during your dive.
Get plenty of rest. Getting enough rest can help you avoid fatigue, which can make you more likely to hold your breath.
## Conclusion
Holding your breath while scuba diving is a dangerous practice that can lead to serious injury or even death. By following the tips above, you can avoid holding your breath and enjoy a safe and enjoyable dive.
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