What is decompression sickness, and how does it occur?
How diving can become a medical emergency
HEALTH Medical science
Scuba diving is one of the most popular watersports in the world. According to Scubanomics, there are around six million active scuba divers globally, plus countless snorkeling enthusiasts, who explore seas and oceans diving colorful reefs, sunken wrecks, and swimming with an outstanding variety of sealife. But exploring underwater has its dangers, not least the risk of developing a potentially fatal condition known as decompression sickness, or DCS. But what exactly is DCS, and how does it occur?
Click through this gallery and find out how an underwater adventure can turn into a medical emergency.