Decompression sickness: what is it and how to avoid it?

Written by Yuliia Kliusa
06/14/2023 09:08:03 en Health | 0 comments

Decompression sickness is a condition that can occur when a diver goes deep and then ascends too quickly. It is also called "diving sickness" or "diver's sickness."

When a diver goes underwater, the pressure of the water increases as he or she goes under. This causes the body to absorb more gases, especially dissolved nitrogen in the tissues and blood. As the diver ascends, the pressure decreases and dissolved gases must be released slowly in order to escape safely.

If the diver ascends too quickly or does not make enough decompression stops during the ascent, the gas can form bubbles in the tissues and blood. These bubbles can cause a series of symptoms known as decompression sickness.

The symptoms of decompression sickness range from mild to severe and can include joint and muscle pain (especially in the extremities), fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, itchy skin, numbness, muscle weakness, neurological problems, and even heart problems. or severe pulmonary

Treatment of decompression sickness usually involves the administration of pure oxygen and reduced pressure in a hyperbaric chamber. A hyperbaric chamber is a high-pressure environment that helps reduce air bubbles in the body. If decompression sickness is suspected, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, as early treatment can greatly improve outcomes.

To avoid decompression sickness while diving, be sure to follow these safety precautions:

1. Dive Planning: Plan your dives in advance and follow the decompression tables or decompression algorithms recommended by your diving certification body. They will indicate safe depth limits and dive times, as well as required safety stops during the ascent.

2. Conservative Dive Profile – Uses a more conservative dive profile, which means you limit your dive depth and time. The more time you spend at greater depths, the greater the nitrogen load on your body and the greater the risk of decompression sickness.

3. Perform a safety stop: Perform a safety stop during takeoff. Safety stops allow your body to gradually eliminate dissolved gases before they reach the surface. The most common residence time is 3 to 5 minutes at a depth of 3 to 5 meters.

4. Slow and controlled ascent: Ascend slowly to the surface, especially at the end of the dive. Avoid steep climbs, as they increase the risk of air bubbles in the body. Monitor your rate of ascent while wearing a buoyancy compensator and make planned safety stops.

5. Stay hydrated: Stay hydrated before and during the dive. Dehydration increases the risk of decompression sickness because it is more difficult for the body to remove dissolved gases from the tissues.

6. Do not fly after diving: Avoid flying or participating in activities that involve significant changes in altitude immediately after diving. It is recommended to wait at least 12-24 hours before the flight to allow the body to relax properly. Proper Training – Get proper diving and safety training.

7. Make sure you understand and follow the guidelines and practices recommended by diving certification bodies. Equipment Maintenance – Make sure your scuba equipment is in good condition and is regularly inspected and properly maintained.

If you suspect symptoms of decompression sickness during or after a dive, it is important to do the following:

1. Stop Diving: If you are still underwater, stop diving immediately and slowly surface with your buddy.

Report Symptoms: Tell your dive buddy or someone close to you about the symptoms you are experiencing.

2. If you are diving with a group, inform the leader or dive instructor of your situation.

3. Get medical help: Seek medical help as soon as possible. Decompression sickness is a serious condition that must be evaluated and treated by a trained physician.

4. If you are at a dive center, ask if they have medical facilities or ask for a referral to a nearby medical center.

5. Pure oxygen: If possible, start giving yourself pure oxygen. This helps reduce the effects of decompression sickness before receiving specialized medical attention. If you're at a dive center, they likely have oxygen supplies and staff trained to properly administer oxygen.

6. Avoid flying: If decompression sickness is suspected, it is important to avoid flying or activities that involve significant changes in altitude. Exposure to stressful changes can worsen symptoms and complicate the condition.

Remember that decompression sickness can be serious and requires immediate medical attention. Do not ignore or underestimate these symptoms, even if they seem mild. Only a trained physician can make the correct diagnosis and provide the correct treatment, which often includes decompression in a hyperbaric chamber.