In last weeks blog post we discussed Part 1 in our series about Decompression Sickness: how to prevent it. Obviously, it’s best to do everything you can possibly do to prevent yourself from getting decompression sickness, however, there are times when a diver may accidentally dive too deep for too long and get bent. There are even some instances, although rare, where healthy divers diving within the recreational scuba limits still get a case of decompression sickness. Besides prevention, the second line of defense against DCS is knowing how to recognize it early and start treating it as soon as possible. Knowing the following signs and symptoms of DCS are so important and will make you an overall safer diver.
The signs and symptoms of Decompression Sickness
1. Fatigue
One of the first symptoms a diver may experience when hit by a case of decompression sickness is unusual fatigue. We’re not talking about the normal post dive, “whoa, I am exhausted and starving," mentality that usually occurs after a dive. This is a severe, heavy fatigue where you feel absolutely drained and exhausted of all energy.
2. Pain
A diver who gets bent will most likely experience a sensation of pain deep in their muscles and/or joints. This pain normally occurs within the arms, legs, and torso region of the body.
3. Rash
A red blotchy type rash may start developing on the divers' body. They may also experience itching of the skin in conjunction with decompression sickness.
4. Dizziness
Divers experiencing DCS may come out of the water feeling dizzy or experience slight to severe vertigo. Along with the dizziness and vertigo, they may hear ringing in their ears.
5. Numbness / Paralysis
One of the telltale signs of DCS is the slow onset of numbness and tingling in the extremities, particularly starting in the fingers and working its way up the entire arm. In severe cases of DCS, this can lead to paralysis of that side of the body.
6. Shortness of breath
Divers with DCS may also experience shortness of breath and trouble breathing. They may feel like they just cannot catch their breath after resting for an extended period of time.
7. Cognitive changes
One of the final main signs of DCS is a change in you or your dive buddy's cognitive functioning. You may notice personality or behavioral changes that are unusual, mental confusion, memory loss, and/or bizarre behavior.
As divers, we are the first line of defense and help when it comes to preventing and recognizing decompression sickness. It’s always best to prevent it from happening, but if recognized very early on the diver has a high probability of fully recovering from decompression sickness. We hope the next time you go diving you will keep these signs and symptoms in the back of your mind and always be on the lookout with every diver around you.
