## What is Getting the Bends?
**Meaning from Scuba Diving**
“Getting the bends” is a slang term for decompression sickness (DCS), a condition that occurs when divers ascend too quickly from a dive, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in their tissues. These bubbles can block blood vessels and cause a variety of symptoms, from mild pain to paralysis or death.
DCS is a serious condition that can be prevented by following proper decompression procedures. However, it can happen even to experienced divers if they make a mistake or if they are diving in difficult conditions.
**Symptoms of DCS**
The symptoms of DCS can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may only cause pain in the joints or muscles, while more severe cases can lead to paralysis or death.
**Types of Decompression Sickness**
There are two main types of decompression sickness: Type I and Type II.
* **Type I DCS** is the most common type of decompression sickness. It is characterized by pain in the joints or muscles, usually in the shoulders, elbows, knees, or ankles. Type I DCS can usually be treated with rest and pain medication.
* **Type II DCS** is a more serious type of decompression sickness that can affect the nervous system. Symptoms of Type II DCS can include paralysis, loss of sensation, or seizures. Type II DCS requires immediate medical treatment.
**Causes of Decompression Sickness**
DCS is caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the tissues. When divers ascend too quickly from a dive, the nitrogen that was dissolved in their tissues comes out of solution and forms bubbles. These bubbles can block blood vessels and cause a variety of symptoms.
**Risk Factors for Decompression Sickness**
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of DCS, including:
* **Depth of the dive** – The deeper the dive, the greater the risk of DCS.
* **Duration of the dive** – The longer the dive, the greater the risk of DCS.
* **Repetitive dives** – Diving multiple times in a short period of time increases the risk of DCS.
* **Rapid ascent** – Ascending from a dive too quickly is the most common cause of DCS.
* **Obesity** – Obese divers have a higher risk of DCS because they have more body fat to store nitrogen.
* **Age** – Older divers have a higher risk of DCS because their tissues are less elastic.
* **Fitness** – Unfit divers have a higher risk of DCS because they are more likely to become fatigued during a dive.
**Prevention of Decompression Sickness**
DCS can be prevented by following proper decompression procedures. These procedures involve ascending from a dive slowly and making stops at specific depths to allow the nitrogen in the tissues to come out of solution.
**Treatment of Decompression Sickness**
DCS is treated with recompression therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This helps to reduce the size of the bubbles and relieve the symptoms of DCS.
**Conclusion**
DCS is a serious condition that can be prevented by following proper decompression procedures. However, it can happen even to experienced divers if they make a mistake or if they are diving in difficult conditions. If you experience any symptoms of DCS, seek medical attention immediately.