Malori scuba diving begins to be talked about in the summer and continues throughout the summer, as many people approach this activity even without preparation or training. Scuba diving in Italy is considered one free recreational activity, and as with other similar activities there is no state law that limits them. Anyone can rent equipment and dive into the water, just like anyone can freely access a mountain. The only difference between the sea and the mountains is given by general legislation which imposes the obligation on divers to report their presence at sea via an appropriate diving marker buoy. In addition to any local diving bans given by ordinances or regulations. Then between the law and good practices there are quite a few differences, starting with one of the main unwritten laws of divingthat is, never to dive alone, and without forgetting the always reiterated advice not to improvise an activity that may involve risks.
Illnesses during scuba diving: the risks and warning signs
Just do a quick review online to see how many accidents, even fatal, can occur to those who dedicate themselves to scuba diving without appropriate technical preparation, even before physics. And although scuba diving is not dangerous in itself, diving without adequate preparation and knowledge can expose you to even fatal risks.
1. Decompression sickness
One of the riskiest and most daring things you can do while diving is one too rapid ascent, which could give rise to the so-called decompression sickness (DCS). One of the most frequent illnesses is scuba diving, even with fatal outcomes due to gas embolism. In fact, based on the depth there are pre-established dive and ascent times, as well as the need to make so-called safety stops before re-emerging to the surface. In the cylinders the mixture of breathable air is 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen and does not respect the ascent parameters it may happen that the amount of nitrogen breathed is not disposed of at the right rate. In fact, nitrogen, as the water pressure increases due to depth, tends to deposit in liquid form in the blood and tissues. If the ascent is therefore too fast the release of nitrogen in gaseous form can create dangerous bubbles which can give rise to different consequences: from the most bearable and manageable ones such as weakness, tingling, disorientation, numbness, joint and joint pain, to the most serious ones such as breathing difficulties, paralysis, loss of consciousness and death from embolism.
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2. Pulmonary overdistension
Another danger well known to anyone who has taken a serious scuba diving course is the pulmonary overdistension, i.e. the rupture of lung tissue caused by the expansion of air in the respiratory tissue. As mentioned, increasing the immersion depth also increases the pressure on the body and its tissues. And as you go up obviously this pressure loosens. This is why one of the first warnings in any diving course is to never stop breathing and never hold your breath for the entire duration of the dive and in particular in the ascent phase. And it’s the same reason why divers constantly let out small bubbles of air from their mouths during their ascent.
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3. Nitrogen narcosis
Still on the subject of nitrogen: when we breathe it free in the air we don’t notice it and it has no consequences, but when breathed underwater from tanks, and as the depth increases, it can become toxic. Toxic does not mean that it is dangerous in itself, but it can make the diver confused, as if he were drunk or under the influence of some psychotropic substance. In these conditions the diver may do reckless things (such as taking off his breathing apparatus) or lose judgment regarding depth or ascent speed. Tolerance to nitrogen is completely individual and sometimes also depends on temporary conditions, but the good news is that knowing its effects you really only need to go back a few meters to regain control of your actions.
4. Hydrocution
More likely among snorkeling enthusiasts than among divers, it is no coincidence that it is also called the “summer killer” and is caused by the thermal shock between the high temperatures outside the water and that of the water. The symptoms are typically felt when one suddenly dives into water after having been exposed to the sun for a long time, perhaps even during the digestive process or after drinking alcohol: this sudden change in temperature generates a vasoconstriction which in turn sends signals to the brain which “reacts” by slowing down the heartbeat and breathing rate. It is a survival mechanism that manifests itself with a state of confusion, ringing in the ears, nausea and blurred vision and which can also lead to cardiac arrest. Entering the water gradually, leaving time for the body to adapt, and avoiding doing so after large meals generally protects you from this risk.
READ ALSO: Scuba diving: 8 tips to get started
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2024-05-08 07:44:48
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