Why Do I Get Sick After Scuba Diving?

When you go scuba diving, your body is exposed to a variety of factors that can cause you to become ill. From the pressure of the water to the bacteria and organisms that live in it, there are a number of potential hazards for divers. In addition, the physical exertion required for diving can also take its toll on your body.

One of the most common causes of illness after scuba diving is decompression sickness, also known as β€œthe bends.” This occurs when a diver ascends too quickly from deep depths and does not allow their body to slowly adjust to the change in pressure. Symptoms of decompression sickness include joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness.

Another common cause of sickness after scuba diving is nitrogen narcosis. This occurs when divers descend too deeply into the ocean and their bodies become overwhelmed by nitrogen intake. Symptoms can include confusion, disorientation, and impaired judgment.

Lastly, divers can become ill due to dehydration or contamination from bacteria or organisms found in the ocean. Dehydration can occur when divers do not drink enough water before or during their dive. Contamination from bacteria or other organisms can occur if a diver ingests water while underwater.

Conclusion

Scuba diving has many potential risks for divers that could lead to illness after a dive. Common causes include decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, dehydration and contamination from bacteria or other organisms found in the ocean. It is important for divers to be aware of these risks before they dive and take necessary precautions in order to avoid becoming ill afterwards.

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Daniel Bennet