Quote:
Originally Posted by fisheater
As the gas dissolved in the diver's tissues migrates to areas of lower concentrations of that gas, it will form microscopic bubbles that will do no harm, assuming that the pressure gradient is low, i.e., proper dive procedures have been followed and nothing "funny" happened that would lead to an undeserved hit.
It's when the pressure gradient is large that big, nasty, dangerous bubbles form.
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This is good, from what I have read. If you push limits or are dehydrated, etc but follow otherwise normal and safe procedures such as a slow ascent, the pressure gradient increase slowly forming small bubbles...versus ascending quickly which forms larger ones. I read that someone who was giving CPR to a diver that shot up from 200 feet related the formation of bubbles to shaking a soda bottle...which isn't a pleasant thought...he stopped chest compressions when the chest felt "squishy" as he called it.
As for resaturation without pressure, I dont think it can happen. The body has no use for nitrogen, so there would be no uptake into the cells. If all goes well it is exhaled.
Subclinical DCS, from what I have read, seems to mean DCS that does not require medical attention. Fatigue and headache are the usual symptoms, and I think skin rash and itchiness are some others. I am to believe that these symptoms are created by the amount of N2 in the blood stream and the effect is has on the body.
In my reading, I have seen where it is believed that all divers that dive below 2 ATM will have SC DCS wether they feel it or not, others have said 3 ATM. Both parties suggest a 50 percent of max depth safety stop for at least one minute. As to wether these reports hold any validity or not I am not sure. Hopefully some of the smart people on this board will answer.