Decompression sickness: what is it, how can you prevent it, and what can you do about it?

What is decompression sickness?

• Decompression sickness occurs when gas bubbles form in your blood and tissues. These nitrogen bubbles develop when you ascend too quickly after a dive, especially if you've been underwater for a longer period of time and at a deeper depth.
• When you dive, your body is under increased pressure, and because of this extra pressure, more nitrogen dissolves in your blood and body. If you ascend too quickly or have an infection, your body can't release the nitrogen through breathing, and the dangerous bubbles develop.
• Decompression sickness is also called divers' disease or caisson disease.

Where does decompression sickness occur?

• You can get decompression sickness anywhere in the world.
• If you don't dive deeper than 6 meters, the risk of decompression sickness is very small.

What are the symptoms of decompression sickness?

• The effects and symptoms of decompression sickness depend on the location of the bubbles and the number of bubbles.
• Symptoms of decompression sickness can vary greatly and usually occur within minutes to hours after diving.
• Common symptoms include: joint and muscle pain, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, tingling in the limbs, impaired thinking ability, or difficulty concentrating.
• In severe cases, and without appropriate treatment, paralysis, loss of consciousness, or even death can occur.

How to prevent decompression sickness abroad?

• Follow the rules and advice regarding the rate of ascent while diving and avoid surprises due to insufficient air supply.
• Make sure you are in good physical condition. Being overweight or underweight, dehydration, and fatigue increase the risk of decompression sickness.
• Do not dive if you are feeling unwell or have an infection.
• Diving in cold water and strenuous underwater exertion increase the risk of decompression sickness. Allow sufficient time between dives and avoid flying or high-altitude flights within 24 hours of your dive.

How do you treat decompression sickness and is divers' disease curable?

• Decompression sickness can be treated by breathing 100% oxygen. The high oxygen content allows the nitrogen to be released more quickly during breathing, reducing the chance of new air bubbles and shrinking existing air bubbles.
• For complete treatment, the diver is repressurized in a special decompression tank. In this chamber, the oxygen treatment continues, effectively simulating a slow ascent during a dive. This allows the nitrogen to be removed from your body at the correct rate and any air bubbles to dissolve.
• Always check the location of the nearest decompression tank when diving somewhere and check how you can be transported there as quickly as possible.