{"id":967,"date":"2020-04-08T14:54:24","date_gmt":"2020-04-08T14:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/?p=967"},"modified":"2024-02-21T13:16:28","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T13:16:28","slug":"feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeling Sick After Scuba Diving? Here\u2019s What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you feeling sick after scuba diving? Denial will not do any good. The moment you feel something off after a plunge, you should seek medical attention right away. Sickness after diving is something divers should never shrug off as mere discomfort. Some of the causes of this sickness could be&nbsp;life-threatening if not addressed right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your feeling of sickness after a dive could be due to a lot of things. Some aren\u2019t serious while others should be treated right away. No matter what it is, you should always have it diagnosed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #5b5b5b;color:#5b5b5b\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #5b5b5b;color:#5b5b5b\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#Why_am_I_feeling_sick_after_scuba_diving\" title=\"Why am I feeling sick after scuba diving?\">Why am I feeling sick after scuba diving?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#Motion_sickness\" title=\"Motion sickness\">Motion sickness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#Vertigo\" title=\"Vertigo\">Vertigo<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#Decompression_illness_DCI\" title=\"Decompression illness (DCI)\">Decompression illness (DCI)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#Symptoms_you_shouldnt_ignore_after_diving\" title=\"Symptoms you shouldn\u2019t ignore after diving\">Symptoms you shouldn\u2019t ignore after diving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#What_to_do_if_you_have_these_symptoms\" title=\"What to do if you have these symptoms?\">What to do if you have these symptoms?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#How_to_avoid_sickness_after_diving\" title=\"How to avoid sickness after diving\">How to avoid sickness after diving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/feeling-sick-after-scuba-diving\/#Final_words\" title=\"Final words\">Final words<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_am_I_feeling_sick_after_scuba_diving\"><\/span><strong>Why am I feeling sick after scuba diving?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/james-thornton-8VoDyBDvv0k-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"feeling sick after scuba diving\" class=\"wp-image-972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/james-thornton-8VoDyBDvv0k-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/james-thornton-8VoDyBDvv0k-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/james-thornton-8VoDyBDvv0k-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/james-thornton-8VoDyBDvv0k-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/james-thornton-8VoDyBDvv0k-unsplash.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A lot of things can cause sickness after diving. The following can be your condition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motion_sickness\"><\/span><strong>Motion sickness<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The least serious condition behind your sickness after a dive is motion sickness. If it\u2019s your first time to dive, seasickness can be a&nbsp;factor. Some individuals are resistant to motion sickness while others can keep experiencing it after several trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A mismatch of sensory inputs is the common cause of seasickness. What you physically see and what you feel doesn\u2019t match. When the brain fails to resolve this confusion, motion sickness occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key here is to choose a spot on the boat with the least vertical acceleration. If not avoidable, you can take medications before going on a dive. Still, most of these drugs have side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of seasickness after diving<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Dizziness or spinning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pale skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weakness and excessive yawning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased salivation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feeling of falling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On most cases, motion sickness doesn\u2019t require serious medical attention. While traveling on a dive boat, it\u2019s best to keep your eyes steady on one distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ease motion sickness, you can take oral medications for temporary relief. Take note that these drugs should be taken before you hop the boat. The following are some of the medications you can take. If you have underlying conditions, you should ask the advice of a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Antivert<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marezine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dramamine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re already vomiting and can\u2019t contain medication, your best bet is a suppository like&nbsp;Phenergen&nbsp;or&nbsp;Compazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>In this video, scuba diving instructor Laura Parke tells us how to <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-get-seasick-from-snorkeling\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2922\"><em>avoid sea sickness<\/em> when snorkeling<\/a> or scuba diving:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lsdzvoIJlS8\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"415\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vertigo\"><\/span><strong>Vertigo<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another possible culprit behind the reason you&#8217;re feeling sick just after scuba diving is vertigo. It can be that you feel like you\u2019re spinning or it\u2019s the world around you that\u2019s taking a whirl. This is due to the imbalance between your right and left ear, which can take place during the descend and ascent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, vertigo will last for 20 seconds during or after the dive. But if it persists for hours, and even days, you should consult a doctor right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that inner ear infections can also trigger vertigo. It\u2019s possible that your dive just pushed the condition to manifest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experiencing vertigo while underwater can be very scary. If you feel this during descend, you should signal to your diving buddy right away to abort the plunge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>In this video, Dr. Frans Cronje from DAN Southern Africa discusses vertigo and its relation to scuba diving:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C7WlLZqfh7g\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"415\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The following are the signs of vertigo:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Spinning or dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ringing in the ears<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problems with balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty focusing the eyes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use some home remedies if your vertigo is still bearable. The following are some of the effective solutions to this problem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/epley-maneuver\" target=\"_blank\">Epley&nbsp;maneuver<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uofmhealth.org\/health-library\/hw205649\" target=\"_blank\">Brandt-Daroff&nbsp;exercise<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/semont-maneuver\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Semont-Toupet&nbsp;maneuver<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decompression_illness_DCI\"><\/span><strong>Decompression illness (DCI)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Decompression illness is one of the dreaded effects of diving. This can be a very serious condition that if not addressed right away can lead to fatal consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel intense fatigue, nausea, rash, itchy skin, joint pain, and headache, you should head straight to the hospital. Severe cases include memory loss, muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, cardiac arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that decompression can take place even hours after the plunge. If you feel symptoms of decompression sickness, you can call the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diversalertnetwork.org\/medical\/\" target=\"_blank\">Divers Alert Network hotline<\/a><\/span> at +1-919-684-9111.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To further understand decompression illness, here&#8217;s an informative video from TED-Ed discussing the changes our body undergoes during a dive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_cj8AtODiHc\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"415\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>Decompression illness is actually a blanket term for two specific conditions: arterial gas embolism (AGE) and decompression sickness (DCS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arterial gas embolism (AGE)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This condition is caused by over-pressurization of the lungs. The air is forced into the lungs in an abnormal fashion, which could lead to fatal conditions. The worst cases of AGE include loss of consciousness, apnea, and cardiac arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If treated on its onset, divers can recover from AGE. However, if the case is worst and not addressed immediately, it could lead to permanent damage to the diver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decompression sickness (DCS)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike arterial gas embolism, decompression sickness is caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream. It\u2019s caused by improper and lack of decompression during ascent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DCS is also called \u2018the bends\u2019 among divers and the most common reason why you ma feel sick after scuba diving. Take note that it\u2019s different from narcosis. The latter happens when the diver inhales too much nitrogen that it starts to become mildly anesthetic. A dive has to be aborted when the diver experiences narcosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In worst cases, DCS can lead to difficulty urinating, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, vertigo, unusual behavior, and visual disturbances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DCS has to be treated right away through the help of a medical professional. Also, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/does-scuba-diving-make-you-dehydrated\/#Tips_to_Stay_Hydrated\">stay hydrated and avoid any alcoholic beverages<\/a>. Usually, doctors will administer 100% oxygen to restore the oxygen level in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_you_shouldnt_ignore_after_diving\"><\/span><strong>Symptoms you shouldn\u2019t ignore after diving<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re feeling unwell after scuba diving, you should always see a doctor. No matter how worse or mild the symptoms are, it\u2019s safer to consult a medical practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment. Should you experience the following symptoms after diving, consult a doctor right away:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1.&nbsp;Confusion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Confusion can be a sign of various underwater problems. You could be on the verge of narcosis, decompression sickness, and other related condition. Don\u2019t wait for confusion to worsen before you signal to your diving buddies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Chest pains<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember this: heart attack is the leading cause of death underwater among divers. The pressure of diving, together with other factors, can trigger cardiac arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have any heart problems, you could be at the onset of pulmonary barotrauma. This over-inflation of the lungs can cause deadly damages to your internal organs if you don\u2019t descend properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.&nbsp;Tingling sensation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel tingling sensations on your body together with another symptom in this list, you should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/basic-scuba-diving-hand-signals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">signal for an emergency<\/a> ascent. It could be a sign of decompression sickness or looming paralysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, not all tingling sensations should be a cause of concern underwater. Your hands and feet can have tingling sensations if you dive in cold water. Just watch out for a second symptom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.&nbsp;Mottling<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s quite normal to have raisin-like skin on the hands after soaking underwater for long. However, if you\u2019re starting to have blotchy discoloration that\u2019s marble-like or mottled, you should be concerned. This is called skin bends, which is usually followed by the feeling of bugs creeping in your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Minor cases of mottling don\u2019t require special treatment. However, if the discoloration worsens and you\u2019re not feeling well, you must seek medical help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.&nbsp;Belly pain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Belly pain characterized by corset-like tightness can happen as early as five minutes after your plunge. When you experience this symptom, you must re-compress quickly to prevent severe spinal cord injuries. Take note that within minutes, this condition can turn serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6.&nbsp;Dizziness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Any symptom that affects your ability to stay focus should be a cause of concern. Dizziness can be a sign of narcosis, decompression sickness, and vertigo. All of these require immediate attention before it makes a dangerous turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7.&nbsp;Vision changes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you start to have a blurry vision while diving, you must signal to your diving buddy right away. It can be a sign of intraocular barotrauma. This can cause significant pain and light sensitivity if not treated right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_if_you_have_these_symptoms\"><\/span><strong>What to do if you have these symptoms?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you have to do is seek medical help. Early signs of sickness after diving may appear mild, but it can progress and cause serious conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For minor symptoms, you can do some home remedies. However, if your condition doesn\u2019t improve, you should see a doctor right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When in doubt, you should always consult the professionals. Not all sickness after diving can be cured with home remedies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_avoid_sickness_after_diving\"><\/span><strong>How to avoid sickness after diving<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1.&nbsp;Don\u2019t go with an empty stomach<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re prone to seasickness, you shouldn\u2019t ride the boat in an empty stomach. Have a filling meal an hour before the dive. Also, avoid acidic and greasy food as this may increase your risk of motion sickness. You should also avoid cigarettes and alcohol before the dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.&nbsp;Stay hydrated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter what you\u2019re doing, a well-hydrated body is healthy. It will also keep your tummy full to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.&nbsp;Avoid long dives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The longer you stay underwater, the higher the chances that you\u2019ll develop a sickness. If you plan to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/how-many-days-in-a-row-can-you-scuba-dive\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3102\">dive on consecutive days<\/a>, keep your plunges short to allow your body to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.&nbsp;Don\u2019t hesitate to abort a dive<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel uneasy or on the verge of any of the symptoms above, don\u2019t hesitate to abort the dive. Signal to your diving buddy for an emergency ascent. If you let the symptoms linger during the dive, your condition will worsen. Remember that the building pressure will make things worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.&nbsp;Don\u2019t dive if you\u2019re not feeling well<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in good shape before the dive, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/when-to-abort-a-dive\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3094\">it\u2019s never too late to abort<\/a> the mission. Being unfit only increases your risk of developing sickness during and after the plunge. Your fellow divers will surely understand if you\u2019re not going to join them. So if you\u2019re not feeling well after scuba diving, don\u2019t go for another plunge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6.&nbsp;Avoid holding your breath<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You should continue proper breathing as you descend or ascend in the water. Holding your breath will only cause pulmonary barotrauma. In worst cases, your lung may explode and have irreversible consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Holding your breath is one of the most dangerous things you can ever do while diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7.&nbsp;Dive with a buddy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how skilled a diver you are, you should always have a buddy when diving. Should anything happen underwater, there\u2019s someone to rescue or watch over you. You should also do the same for your diving buddy. The buddy system is strictly observed by all divers for a very good reason: it has saved many lives already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: How long does decompression sickness linger?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> If the DCS doesn\u2019t have any neurological complications, the diver\u2019s condition will improve between two and seven days. However, serious cases would take up to four weeks with the right treatment. It may take longer for some, depending on the extent of the sickness and the underlying conditions of the person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: At what level will I likely experience nitrogen narcosis?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Usually, divers will experience narcosis at depths of beyond 100 feet. Still, narcosis can occur in shallow depths of around 33 feet. Take note that narcosis becomes worse when nitrogen inhalation is paired with intense underwater pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: What are the most common diving emergencies?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Some of the medical conditions associated with diving include barotrauma, decompression sickness, vertigo, and marine envenomation. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Will I have vertigo when water gets into my ear?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> It\u2019s possible to experience signs of vertigo if fluids build up in your inner ear. If the fluids cause infection, the symptoms of vertigo will persist. The onset of vertigo may cause tinnitus, hearing loss, and fullness in the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Will vertigo after diving go away on its own?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A: <\/strong>If the vertigo is mild, it can go away on its own within 24 hours. However, if ear infection is the culprit, it may take for the symptoms to subside. It\u2019s best to see a doctor for the right medication that will speed up your recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_words\"><\/span><strong>Final words<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeling sick after scuba diving should always be taken seriously. The moment you feel something wrong underwater, you should ascend with your buddy. Also, the help of a doctor is indispensable. You should seek the help of a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of diving-related sickness.<\/p>\n<style>\r\n\r\n        .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 40px;\nmargin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n            color: #07000f;\r\n            \r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-container{\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-double{\r\n            width: 48%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n            width: 32%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: space-between;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n            width: calc(20% - 20px);\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 0px;\nmargin-right: 0px;\nmargin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item img{\r\n            max-width: 100%;\r\n            height: auto;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item.lwrp-empty-list-item{\r\n            background: initial !important;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n            \r\n                \r\n        }\r\n        @media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n            .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n                \r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{\r\n                margin-top: 0px;\r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n                padding-top: 0px;\r\n                padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-double,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n                justify-content: initial;\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n                \r\n                margin-top: 0px;\nmargin-right: 0px;\nmargin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n                \r\n                    \r\n            }\r\n        }<\/style>\r\n<div id=\"link-whisper-related-posts-widget\" class=\"link-whisper-related-posts lwrp\">\r\n            <h4 class=\"lwrp-title\">You might also like:<\/h4>    \r\n        <div class=\"lwrp-list-container\">\r\n                                            <ul class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-single\">\r\n                    <li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/how-to-navigate-with-a-dive-compass\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Mastering the Art of Navigation: How to Navigate with a Dive Compass<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-go-to-altitude-after-diving\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Can You Go to Altitude after Diving? 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