Everything You Need to Know About Decompression Sickness

If you’ve ever dipped into the world of scuba or freediving, you’ve probably heard about “the bends.” It sounds like the name of a grunge album. However, it’s shorthand for decompression sickness. It is a condition that has been haunting divers, pilots, and even astronauts for more than a century. Scary? Sure. Avoidable? Absolutely. Let’s explore what it’s all about.

What Exactly Is Decompression Sickness?

Think of your body as a soda can. While you’re under pressure underwater, nitrogen from the air you breathe dissolves into your blood and tissues. It is precisely like carbon dioxide in fizzy water. Everything is stable as long as the pressure stays high. But when you rocket back to the surface too fast, that nitrogen comes out of solution and forms bubbles. And bubbles in your bloodstream? Not a great idea. They can block blood flow and wreak havoc across your body.

The result can range from mild joint pain to full-blown neurological issues. Divers often report that it starts as a dull ache in the shoulders or knees, which is why it is known as “the bends.” If left untreated, it can escalate to paralysis, unconsciousness, or even death.

A Quick Dive into Its History

Decompression sickness isn’t just a modern diver’s problem. This piece of diving history dates back to the 19th century, when workers digging tunnels and building bridges inside pressurized caissons began reporting symptoms such as crippling pain, dizziness, and even paralysis after returning to the surface. At the time, doctors had no clue what was happening, but patterns quickly emerged. This was the birth of decompression science. It also shaped engineering and the evolution of diving practices.

Symptoms: How to Recognize Trouble Early

Decompression sickness isn’t always dramatic. Paying attention to the subtle signs can be life-saving. Here are the main categories.

• Musculoskeletal pain

Aching joints and muscles are the most common symptoms.

• Skin changes

Rashes or marbling patterns can appear.

• Neurological symptoms

Dizziness, confusion, vision issues, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.

• Cardiorespiratory issues

Shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

Treatment

So what happens if you or a fellow diver gets hit with decompression sickness? The gold standard of treatment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Essentially, the diver is placed in a chamber where pressure is increased and pure oxygen is delivered. This recompresses the bubbles and helps flush nitrogen out of the system.

The good news? With prompt treatment, many divers make a full recovery. The bad news? Delays can lead to permanent damage. This is why every serious diving region has hyperbaric chambers on standby. To minimize the risk of decompression sickness while freediving, it is essential to consider pacing. Longer surface intervals, gradual depth progression, and listening to your body are all critical considerations.

Apnea Boom: A Gateway to the Deep

Apnea Boom is a freediving school that offers unique ways to explore the Atlantic Ocean. Expert instructors and modern facilities make it the perfect platform for beginners and advanced freedivers to unleash their inner Aquaman. Beyond just teaching technique, the school emphasizes safety and awareness. It helps divers understand risks like decompression sickness while building the confidence to dive deeper and smarter.

Bottom line

Decompression sickness is a physiological response to changes in pressure. Understand it, respect it, and you can enjoy the underwater world safely. Whether you’re strapping on a scuba tank or holding your breath on a freedive, the rules of physics apply equally to everyone. So, the next time you slip beneath the surface, remember that diving isn’t about fighting nature, but about working with it. Take your time planning your dives and approach them strategically. The ocean will still be there, and you’ll get to enjoy it dive after dive.