Decompression Sickness
Factors That Increase DCS Risk
The three major factors that increase the risk of decompression sickness are depth, dive duration, and ascent rate.
As you descend, the ambient pressure increases. This increases the amount of nitrogen your body ingasses, and also increases the rate of absorption. Since ingassing occurs over time, your dive's duration also affects how much nitrogen you absorb.
Another factor is your ascent rate, which influences the rate of pressure reduction. A slower ascent rate slows down the offgassing, and allows the body to eliminate the excess nitrogen through your respiration before it expands in your body.
Other factors that increase your risk of decompression sickness include dehydration, fatigue, cold water temperature, age, scar tissue, and obesity. These factors won't cause decompression sickness on their own, but can increase the risk of the primary factors of depth, dive time, and ascent rate.
As you descend, the ambient pressure increases. This increases the amount of nitrogen your body ingasses, and also increases the rate of absorption. Since ingassing occurs over time, your dive's duration also affects how much nitrogen you absorb.
Another factor is your ascent rate, which influences the rate of pressure reduction. A slower ascent rate slows down the offgassing, and allows the body to eliminate the excess nitrogen through your respiration before it expands in your body.
Other factors that increase your risk of decompression sickness include dehydration, fatigue, cold water temperature, age, scar tissue, and obesity. These factors won't cause decompression sickness on their own, but can increase the risk of the primary factors of depth, dive time, and ascent rate.
