How does decompression sickness affect divers?

The bends, also known as decompression sickness (DCS) or Caisson disease, occurs in scuba divers or high altitude or aerospace events when dissolved gases (mainly nitrogen) come out of solution in bubbles and can affect just about any body area including joints, lung, heart, skin and brain.

What symptom may a diver who holds their breath have?

It has been described in the Ama divers of Japan, Mediterranean sport spear-fishermen, and in competitive breath-hold divers worldwide 4. In fact, any form of deep, repetitive BHD may cause Taravana. The most common symptoms of Taravana are vertigo, vomiting, paresthesia, muscular weakness and paralysis 1,2,4-6.

Can freediving cause decompression sickness?

Decompression sickness was originally thought to only occur in scuba diving and working in high-pressure environments. However, research shows that breath-hold diving (freediving) also poses its own risks for developing decompression sickness (DCS), also referred to as being bent or getting the bends.

Can you dive after having decompression sickness?

The U.S. Navy policy is for a return to diving after 30 days for severe decompression sickness or air embolism (AGE) that completely resolves with treatment. The time period is shorter for pain only DCS.

Why can’t divers come up fast?

Decompression sickness: Often called “the bends,” decompression sickness happens when a scuba diver ascends too quickly. Divers breathe compressed air that contains nitrogen. At higher pressure under water, the nitrogen gas goes into the body’s tissues. This doesn’t cause a problem when a diver is down in the water.

What happens if the bends goes untreated?

Untreated bends cause damage! Failure to treat promptly and appropriately may lead to permanent impairment.

How can we avoid decompression sickness?

You can also reduce your risk of developing decompression sickness by:

slowly approaching the surface.
diving on a good night’s sleep.
drinking plenty of water beforehand.
avoiding air travel shortly after diving.
spacing out your dives, ideally by at least a day.
not spending too much time in high-pressure depths.

What happens to a free diver’s body when they ascend?

As you ascend, water pressure decreases, and the air in your lungs expands. This can make the air sacs in your lungs rupture and make it hard for you to breathe. If air bubbles get into an artery, they can cause a blockage that affects your organs. The blockage is called an arterial gas embolism.

How do I decompress freediving?

The most common equalization technique that Scuba divers and people new to freediving use are the Valsalva maneuver. You simply pinch your nose and create pressure from your diaphragm by trying to exhale through your nostrils against your pinched nose. If you try this you will usually feel inflation in the ears.

What does bends feel like?

The most common signs and symptoms of the bends include joint pains, fatigue, low back pain, paralysis or numbness of the legs, and weakness or numbness in the arms. Other associated signs and symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, vomiting, ringing in the ears, head or neck pain, and loss of consciousness.

How does decompression sickness affect divers? The bends, also known as decompression sickness (DCS) or Caisson disease, occurs in scuba divers or high altitude or aerospace events when dissolved gases (mainly nitrogen) come out of solution in bubbles and can affect just about any body area including joints, lung, heart, skin and brain. What symptom…