## Why Can’t You Get on a Plane After Scuba Diving?
If you’re a scuba diver, you know that flying after diving is a no-no. But why? What’s the big deal?
The answer has to do with the way your body absorbs nitrogen when you dive. When you breathe compressed air underwater, your body absorbs nitrogen from the air. The deeper you dive and the longer you stay underwater, the more nitrogen your body absorbs.
When you ascend from a dive, the nitrogen in your body needs to be released slowly. If you ascend too quickly, the nitrogen can form bubbles in your blood, which can cause decompression sickness (DCS). DCS can be a serious medical condition that can cause pain, paralysis, and even death.
Flying after diving can increase your risk of DCS because the lower air pressure in the airplane cabin causes the nitrogen in your body to expand. This can lead to the formation of bubbles in your blood, even if you ascended slowly from your dive.
The risk of DCS is highest in the first 12 hours after a dive. However, it can take up to 24 hours for all of the nitrogen to be released from your body. For this reason, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying.
If you must fly after diving, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of DCS:
* Ascend slowly from your dive.
* Make multiple safety stops during your ascent.
* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
* Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
* If you experience any symptoms of DCS, such as pain, numbness, or paralysis, seek medical attention immediately.
## How Long Should You Wait to Fly After Scuba Diving?
The recommended amount of time to wait to fly after scuba diving is 24 hours. This gives your body enough time to release all of the nitrogen that it absorbed during your dive.
However, there are some factors that can affect how long you need to wait to fly after diving. These factors include:
* The depth of your dive.
* The length of your dive.
* Your age.
* Your overall health.
If you’re not sure how long you need to wait to fly after diving, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wait at least 24 hours.
## What Are the Symptoms of Decompression Sickness?
The symptoms of decompression sickness can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
* Pain in the joints, muscles, or bones.
* Numbness or tingling sensations.
* Paralysis.
* Fatigue.
* Nausea and vomiting.
* Dizziness.
* Confusion.
If you experience any of these symptoms after diving, seek medical attention immediately.
## How Is Decompression Sickness Treated?
The treatment for decompression sickness depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, treatment may involve simply resting and drinking plenty of fluids. In more severe cases, treatment may involve oxygen therapy or recompression therapy.
Recompression therapy is a procedure in which you’re placed in a chamber that’s pressurized to a higher level than sea level. This helps to reduce the size of the nitrogen bubbles in your blood and relieve your symptoms.
## How Can You Prevent Decompression Sickness?
The best way to prevent decompression sickness is to avoid ascending too quickly from a dive. You should also make multiple safety stops during your ascent and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
If you’re planning to fly after diving, it’s important to wait at least 24 hours before flying. This will give your body enough time to release all of the nitrogen that it absorbed during your dive.
## Conclusion
Flying after scuba diving can increase your risk of decompression sickness. To reduce your risk, it’s important to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying. If you experience any symptoms of DCS, such as pain, numbness, or paralysis, seek medical attention immediately.