Original upload date: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT
Archive date: Sat, 27 Nov 2021 23:36:45 GMT
Divers are taught to pay attention to any abnormal signs and symptoms after diving. They are instructed to consider them as being possible decompression illness (DCI) until proven otherwise. However,
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this attitude not only adds a certain amount of anxiety, but may also lead to an unhealthy level of attentiveness and concern about completely benign conditions that appear during or following diving activities. Mild headaches, mild transient joint aches, skin irritations and even mild tingling or numbness may be attributed to DCI quite erroneously, resulting in unnecessary medical evacuations, hospital admissions, recompression treatment and even the loss of diving fitness or a subsequent fear of diving. On the other hand, we do not want to discourage divers from seeking assistance nor should they deny or overlook potentially serious manifestations of DCI. There is a need to assist divers in better distinguishing between benign and serious conditions.
