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The Bends: Is Flying After Scuba Diving Really That Dangerous?

DCS | Risk | Symptoms | Planning Ahead | Treatment

When you think of scuba diving, you might picture colorful coral reefs, exotic fish, and that deep sense of calm that only being underwater brings. But there’s a less glamorous term associated with diving that every diver needs to understand: “the bends.” It’s also known as decompression sickness, and it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to hop on a plane after diving.

In today’s post, we’ll explore what the bends are, why flying afterward is risky, and what you can do to avoid this potentially dangerous condition.

Decompression Sickness (DCS)

Also known as “the bends,” DCS occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in our bloodstream and tissues due to rapid pressure changes. While airplane cabins are pressurized, they still create a lower pressure environment than what we experience at sea level. As we ascend, those tiny nitrogen bubbles can expand, potentially leading to symptoms like joint pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

Why Flying Increases the Risk

Flying exposes your body to lower air pressure, which can accelerate the formation of nitrogen bubbles. The cabin pressure in most commercial flights is similar to being at around 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,800 to 2,400 meters) above sea level. This drop in pressure can cause the nitrogen in your body to expand and potentially lead to DCS. Besides the bends, flying after diving can also exacerbate issues related to ear and sinus pressure.

Divers with pre-existing breathing, ear, or sinus issues should be extra cautious.

Symptoms of the Bends

If you fly too soon after diving, symptoms of DCS might start to appear. These include:

Pulmonary Barotrauma
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Bloody nose
Ear Barotrauma
- Severe ear pain
- Dizziness, vertigo, or confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling disoriented
- Ruptured eardrum
Sinus Barotrauma
- Facial pain
  - beside your nose and below your eyes (upper maxillary region)
  - behind your eyes
  - forehead above and between the eyebrows (frontal sinuses)
  - back or top of head (occipital region)
- Headaches
- Bloody nose
- Congestion

In severe cases, DCS can lead to paralysis, unconsciousness, or even death.

How Long Should You Wait to Fly?

To minimize the risk of DCS, it's recommended to follow these general guidelines:

After a single dive: Wait at least 12 hours before flying.
After multiple dives: Wait at least 18 to 24 hours before flying.
After deep or decompression dives: Consider waiting up to 24-48 hours.

These guidelines are recommended by organizations like the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). However, it's always best to consult a dive professional if you're unsure.

When preparing for your dive, here are some practical tips:

Plan Ahead: Consider flight schedules when booking your diving holiday. Allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight.
Hydrate: Proper hydration helps your body process nitrogen more efficiently.
Monitor your dive profile: Avoid exceeding recommended dive depths and times, as this reduces nitrogen absorption.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience any symptoms after diving, consult a dive professional or a doctor before flying.

What To Do if You Have Symptoms

If you experience symptoms of the bends, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, is often used to treat decompression sickness. This treatment can help eliminate nitrogen bubbles and reduce symptoms.