Written by Decompression sickness (DCS), also known as “the bends,” is a serious condition that can occur when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depth. This can result in the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body, leading to a range of symptoms from mild joint pain to severe neurological issues. As a diver, understanding decompression sickness and how to prevent it is essential for your safety.
In this post, we’ll explore what decompression sickness is, its symptoms, how to prevent it, and what to do if you suspect you have DCS.
What is Decompression Sickness?
Decompression sickness occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, causing nitrogen gas, which has been dissolved in the body during the dive, to form bubbles. These bubbles can accumulate in the bloodstream and tissues, disrupting normal body functions. The deeper and longer a diver stays underwater, the more nitrogen their body absorbs, which is why DCS is most commonly associated with deeper or longer dives.
How Nitrogen Bubbles Form:
- At Depth: When a diver is at depth, the pressure is greater, and gases such as nitrogen are absorbed into the body. The deeper the dive, the more nitrogen is dissolved in the blood and tissues.
- Rapid Ascent: If the diver ascends too quickly, the pressure decreases too fast, causing the dissolved nitrogen to come out of solution and form bubbles. These bubbles can block blood flow, damage tissues, and cause pain and injury.
Symptoms of Decompression Sickness
Symptoms of decompression sickness can range from mild to severe, and they can appear immediately after a dive or several hours later. The most common symptoms include:
1. Joint Pain (The Bends)
Pain in the joints, often described as a deep, aching pain, is one of the most common symptoms. It usually affects the elbows, shoulders, and knees, hence the nickname “the bends.”
2. Dizziness and Lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially upon ascending to the surface, is another sign of decompression sickness. This can occur if the nitrogen bubbles affect the brain or inner ear.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling unusually tired, weak, or having difficulty moving after a dive can indicate the onset of DCS. This may be a result of nitrogen bubbles disrupting normal cellular function.
4. Breathing Difficulties
If nitrogen bubbles affect the lungs or chest, it can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur if the bubbles interfere with the gastrointestinal system or if the condition worsens.
6. Paralysis or Numbness
In severe cases, nitrogen bubbles can affect the nervous system, leading to paralysis, numbness, or tingling sensations, especially in the extremities. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
7. Chest Pain or Heart Issues
If the nitrogen bubbles affect the heart or circulatory system, chest pain, palpitations, or even cardiovascular collapse can occur.
Preventing Decompression Sickness
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to decompression sickness. The following steps can significantly reduce your risk of developing DCS:
1. Ascend Slowly and Gradually
The most important step in preventing DCS is a slow and controlled ascent. Avoid ascending faster than 9 meters (30 feet) per minute. If you are making a deep or long dive, it’s recommended to include safety stops during your ascent, typically at 3-5 meters (10-15 feet), for 3-5 minutes, to allow your body to off-gas safely.
2. Use a Dive Computer
Dive computers help track your depth, time, and ascent rate in real-time, ensuring that you stay within safe limits and manage your decompression needs. They also provide important information on how long you can stay at specific depths without increasing your risk of DCS.
3. Follow the No-Decompression Limits (NDLs)
No-decompression limits are the maximum depths and times that you can spend underwater without needing to perform decompression stops during your ascent. Always ensure that you don’t exceed these limits, or be prepared to make a decompression stop if needed.
4. Plan Your Dive and Stick to the Plan
Before diving, always plan your dive carefully. Know your dive site, your maximum depth, dive time, and ascent procedure. Having a clear plan helps prevent mistakes and overexertion that can lead to DCS.
5. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can increase your risk of decompression sickness, as it impairs the body’s ability to eliminate excess nitrogen. Drink plenty of water before and after your dives to stay hydrated.
6. Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals Before Diving
Alcohol can increase your chances of dehydration, and heavy meals may divert blood flow away from essential areas of the body during a dive. Avoid these factors before diving to ensure optimal physical conditions.
7. Don’t Fly or Ascend Too Soon After a Dive
After diving, avoid flying or going to high altitudes for at least 24 hours. The reduced atmospheric pressure at high altitudes can cause nitrogen bubbles to expand, leading to DCS symptoms.
8. Perform Safety Stops
If you’ve made a deep or long dive, always perform a safety stop for a few minutes at a shallow depth. This allows your body to safely release any residual nitrogen before reaching the surface.
What to Do if You Suspect Decompression Sickness
If you experience any of the symptoms of decompression sickness, it’s crucial to take immediate action:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Decompression sickness is a medical emergency. If you or someone else is showing symptoms of DCS, get medical help right away. Call emergency services and inform them of the suspected dive-related injury.
2. Administer Oxygen
If you suspect decompression sickness, administering 100% oxygen is critical. Breathing in pure oxygen helps eliminate nitrogen from the body and can reduce the severity of symptoms. If oxygen is available, breathe it continuously until you receive professional medical care.
3. Stay Calm and Reassure the Diver
Remain as calm as possible, as anxiety and stress can exacerbate the symptoms. If you’re the diver experiencing symptoms, try to stay as still as possible and avoid any unnecessary movement.
4. Transport to a Hyperbaric Chamber
Decompression sickness may require treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, where the diver is exposed to high-pressure oxygen therapy. This allows for the safe removal of nitrogen bubbles from the body. Many dive resorts and hospitals near diving locations are equipped with hyperbaric chambers.
Hyperbaric Treatment for Decompression Sickness
A hyperbaric chamber is a specialized pressurized environment used to treat decompression sickness. It helps the body safely eliminate excess nitrogen by providing 100% oxygen in a high-pressure environment. The diver will typically undergo several sessions, depending on the severity of their condition.
The treatment works by:
- Reducing the size of nitrogen bubbles in the body.
- Reintroducing oxygen to tissues that may be deprived of oxygen due to blocked blood flow.
- Speeding up the removal of nitrogen from the bloodstream.
Conclusion
Decompression sickness is a serious condition that requires careful prevention, prompt action, and appropriate treatment. By following safe diving practices, including slow ascents, safety stops, and using a dive computer, you can significantly reduce your risk of DCS. If you or a fellow diver experiences symptoms of decompression sickness, don’t hesitate to seek medical help immediately.
Remember, a safe dive is a fun dive—by taking the necessary precautions and knowing how to respond in case of an emergency, you can enjoy the incredible world beneath the surface with confidence.
*Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.