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10 tips to lower the risk of medical problems while scuba diving




 

Scuba diving is a thrilling recreational activity that allows individuals to explore the depths of the ocean and witness the stunning beauty of marine life. While scuba diving can be an incredibly rewarding experience, it is important to remember that it also comes with certain risks.

Although heavy medical problems are not very common in recreational scuba diving, there are still some dangers associated with this activity. Worldwide, there are about 100 deaths reported every year related to scuba diving accidents. However, it is important to note that there are millions of dives that take place each year, meaning that the risk of being involved in a scuba diving accident is actually quite low.

One of the most common medical complaints of scuba diving is ear squeezes, which can cause pain in the ears. This discomfort is caused by the difference in pressure between the air spaces in your ears and the higher water pressure while descending. As a beginner, it is essential to gain as much knowledge as possible about scuba diving health to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.

Here are ten tips that can help you stay safe while scuba diving

  1. Never hold your breath while ascending to the surface. It is important to ascend slowly and breathe normally to avoid the risk of lung damage or other complications. Additionally, make sure you do not miss any decompression stops.
  2. If you are descending, it is important to equalize both your mask and ears smoothly. Discomfort is caused by the water pressure on your ears, but our bodies are designed to adjust to different water pressures.
  3. Do not fly too soon after scuba diving. The pressure in the air is very different from underwater pressure, and there is a risk of developing decompression sickness if you do not wait long enough to fly back home. To avoid this, do not dive for at least 12 hours before flying for a dive within the no-decompression limits. If you have dived several times or days, you should wait at least 18 hours. If decompression stops were necessary during your dive, you should always wait 24 hours. Longer intervals will further reduce the risk of decompression sickness. Although you can't fly too soon after scuba diving, you can go scuba diving right after flying.
  4. Do not touch the flora and fauna underwater. Touching coral and plants could damage them, and you could injure yourself by touching something that seems to be a stone but is actually a stonefish.
  5. Ensure that you are in good physical shape. Do not dive if you have had alcohol or are otherwise impaired.
  6. Never dive without a buddy. The buddy system ensures more safety in unforeseen circumstances. If your tanks are running out of air or if you become entangled with something, a dive buddy can be a lifesaver.
  7. Learn about the hazards to avoid underwater to prevent injuries. Be informed about the underwater area and its dangers.
  8. Stay calm underwater if you get confused or scared. Analyze the problem and try to communicate with your dive buddy or master.
  9. Do not dive if you are taking medication unless your physician tells you it is safe.
  10. If you have certain medical problems, scuba diving can be dangerous. Ask a physician who knows about diving whether it is safe for you to dive or not.

 

It is important to remember that even with these precautions, accidents can still happen. If you experience any pain or discomfort after a dive, or if you do not feel well, you should seek medical attention immediately. With proper preparation and knowledge, scuba diving can be a safe and enjoyable activity for people of all ages and abilities.
 

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