The symptoms of decompression sickness may develop after long dives to great depths or if the diver returns too fast to the surface, which releases small nitrogen bubbles into the body. The symptoms depend on the part of the body affected and can be the following:
- The Bends (pain in and around major joints).
- The Chokes (Constriction which can lead to circulatory collapse).
- Skin symptoms (itching and rashes).
- Neurological symptoms (reduction of strength, balance disturbances, changed sense of touch and paralysis (rarely).
- Visual disturbances with blurred vision and total or partial loss of vision.
If any symptoms occur, apart from itching, you should immediately consult a specialist in diving medicine. Make sure that your diving instructor and diving organiser are capable of treating decompression sickness quickly and effectively.
Be aware that an interval of 24 hours between diving and flying is recommended after any kind of scuba diving.