What Is Dcs In Diving?

Decompression sickness (DCS), also known as the bends, caisson disease, or divers sickness, is a medical condition that occurs when nitrogen bubbles build up in the body and are not properly dissolved before resurfacing, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, dizziness, and extreme fatigue. DCS is associated with a reduction in ambient pressure surrounding the body and can result from inadequate decompression following exposure to increased pressure. It is one of the most common problems reported to Divers Alert Network (DAN) and is often experienced by deep-sea divers who ascend to the surface too quickly.

Decompression sickness occurs when nitrogen absorbed into the blood at depth forms bubbles in body tissues when a diver swims to the surface too quickly. This can cause decompression sickness, which may occur even if a person dives within the limits of their dive computer or decompression tables and even if they complete a safety stop.

DCS results from inadequate decompression following exposure to increased pressure, and in some cases, it is mild and not severe. It is important for divers to remember that not all diving-related problems turn out to be DCS. When gas bubbles form while diving, they do not have adequate time to be resorbed or off-gassed, resulting in bubble entrapment.

In summary, DCS is a high-profile diving injury caused by rapid changes in pressure during scuba diving. It is a common issue among divers and can lead to various symptoms, including joint pain, dizziness, and extreme fatigue.