Diving is safe when the rules are followed. Yet every diver will sooner or later come across the term Decompression Sickness (DCS). But what does it actually mean?

What happens in the body?

When breathing underwater, you take in not only oxygen but also nitrogen from compressed air.

This dissolves in your blood and tissues.

As long as you remain at depth, this is not a problem. But as you ascend, the surrounding pressure decreases – and nitrogen wants to leave the body. If you ascend too quickly, tiny gas bubbles can form.

These bubbles can affect the body by:

• irritating joints and muscles,

• interfering with nerves,

• and in severe cases, even damaging organs or the central nervous system.

Typical symptoms

Signs of DCS vary and may appear minutes to hours after a dive:

• Joint or muscle pain (“the bends”)

• Tingling, numbness, or dizziness

• Extreme tiredness or unusual fatigue

• Skin rash or itching (“skin bends”)

• In severe cases: paralysis, shortness of breath, unconsciousness

Even mild symptoms should be taken seriously.

How to prevent DCS

• Slow ascent: No faster than 9–10 meters per minute.

• Safety stop: 3 minutes at 5 meters – even if not required by your computer.

• Use Nitrox: Less nitrogen uptake reduces risk.

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration increases bubble formation.

• Avoid overexertion: Stay calm before, during, and after dives.

Emergency treatment

If DCS is suspected, time is critical:

• Administer 100% oxygen immediately.

• Keep diver flat and hydrated.

• Seek medical assistance at once.

Egypt has several hyperbaric chambers (e.g., in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam) that can save lives in emergencies.