Decompression sickness occurs in deep-sea diving when there is a rapid pressure reduction during ascent from a dive. A diver may have mild to severe decompression injury that can be cured with prompt medical attention. Check the symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips for decompression sickness.

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Role of Decompression Sickness in Deep Sea Diving
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A sudden decrease in the pressure change surrounding the body is responsible for
Decompression sickness. The problem is quite vulnerable to deep-sea divers who ascend to
the surface too quickly and can also occur to hikers descending from a high altitude,
astronauts heading to Earth, and tunnel workers who are working in an environment of
compressed air.
Gas bubbles can be formed in the blood and tissues as a result of decompression sickness.
It is important to seek medical attention if you feel you are experiencing decompression
sickness. The health condition can be deadly if not treated timely.
Who is more vulnerable to Decompression Sickness?
The problem of Decompression sickness may arise with anyone moving from high altitude to
low altitude including hikers and those who are working in aviation flights and aerospace.
The risk of DCS is high among scuba divers.

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The intensity of Decompression sickness is higher if you:
Have overexerted yourself
have a heart defect
are fatigued
dive into cold water
are dehydrated
have obesity
take a flight after diving
are elderly
The problem of DCS is generally observed in deep-sea divers but can occur while diving at
any depth. That's why ascending to the sea surface slowly and gradually is recommended.
Choose the best place to learn scuba diving in India and always dive with an experienced
dive master who can safely control your ascent.
Symptoms of Decompression Sickness
A diver may develop DCS symptoms within a period of 6 to 48 hours and even in some
cases symptoms may develop within an hour of surfacing from a dive. Nervous and
musculoskeletal are the most commonly affected areas of Decompression sickness.
Some common symptoms are as follows
Musculoskeletal Symptoms: A diver can be commonly affected by pain in and around
major joints and elbows. However, any joint can be affected due to nitrogen being released
into joints and muscles.
Fatigue: The feeling of being extremely tired out of the activity just performed.
Skin: The problem of DCS may cause red or marbled rashes and the rash can be very itchy.
Pain: Pain in arms and legs is common. Head, neck, and torso pain may be severe as a
result of decompression sickness.
Staggers: A person may have symptoms of inner ear problems such as ringing in the ears,
deafness, spinning sensation, or vomiting due to decompression illness. These symptoms
are usually called staggers.
Treatment of Decompression sickness
Recompression therapy

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The therapy is suggested to people who have serious implications of decompression illness,
it is also called hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The treatment is conducted in sealed chambers
where air pressure is usually 3 times higher than normal. The chambers are designed to
occupy single or multiple people at a time.
The effects of DCS may not be observed afterward if the recompression therapy is started
promptly just after diagnosis. After treatment, there can be long-term physical effects such as
pain or soreness around a joint.
Physical therapy will be required for severe DCS that may cause long-term neurological
effects. Coordinate with your doctor and keep them informed about long-lasting side effects
to develop a better treatment plan.
Intensive oxygen treatment
In some cases, the symptoms of decompression illness may not be noticeable for hours or
days after scuba diving. It generally occurs in mild cases of DCS and can be properly
diagnosed by breathing 100 percent oxygen from a mask.
Common DCS prevention tips for scuba divers
Ensure your safety first
A diver must take a few minutes of safety stop before ascending to the surface to avoid
decompression sickness. This is usually done below 15 meters of the sea surface. Deep
divers are required to take proper safety stops at the safe depths to ensure their body is
adjusted gradually below the sea surface.
Dive with An Experienced buddy
Make sure you are diving with a buddy who has sufficient knowledge and experience for safe
ascents and follow standard guidelines for air compression. The diver must have an
adjustment plan and how to slowly ascend to the sea surface.
Avoid flying for 24 hours
Divers must take 24 hours of the surface interval just after repetitive scuba diving sessions. It
will give you time to adjust your body as per change in altitude.