Scuba Diving Made Easy!
By definition, Scuba Diving is the use of self contained, underwater breathing apparatus and as such was named by the uses of this equipment. When an individual going underwater for long periods of time it is essential that you have equipment to breath.
Sometimes diving takes place very deep under the sea and it wouldn’t be practical or even feasible to come up for air every half minute when you’ve run out of oxygen in your lungs. The diver wears all this equipment on his back and swims underwater with fins on the feet for easier mobility in the water much like a fish has fins.
The History of Diving
Scuba diving has been around for a long time already and was mainly designed and created to have purpose in the world wars or to be utilized in battle. The soldiers in those times used something similar to scuba diving equipment however it was called a frogman. A doctor developed this in the era of WWII by the name of Christian Lambertsen and although scuba diving is used for many reasons today, it is becoming even more popular with the advancements that it is making in the recent decades.
Risks Associated with Scuba Diving
There are many risks associated with scuba diving that may seem that they are not risks however changes in air pressure is probably the most dangerous risk facing scuba diving with the exception of getting eaten by a shark. Changes in pressure in the water can cause such extreme pressure that it can rupture an eardrum or do damage that is even less desirable.
Every part of your body is required to be equalized by the pressure surrounding you depending on the depth of water you are in and if you are changing water depths. Another common known scuba diving problem is called oxygen toxicity, which is especially dangerous, and life threatening in that it can cause seizures and has often resulted in the diver drowning.
However like any other accident, this is a completely preventable issue by following diving instructions properly and safely. Nitrogen narcosis can affect a diver when he gets to sixty-six feet and generally dissipates immediately as the diver sinks lower than this depth. There are many dangers that face a diver and it is wise to get professional guidance.
Dane Stanton
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/scuba-diving-made-easy-112880.html
Scuba Diving with Ear Problems??
I am about to start scuba lessons with a friend in Florida but I am very concerned with the issues I have from time to time with my ears. I have a very hard time getting them to pop during alergy season. Will this lead to a painful experience or will the presssure while under make it easier?
Consult a doctor before engaging in such kind of outdoor activities. I believe, it would dangerous. You may loose your hearing permanently.
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If you try to scuba dive while your sinuses (including ears) are plugged, you won’t be able to descend. The way scuba diving works is this: as you descend, quite quickly you feel an uncomfortable pressure in your ears. This is a result of the pressure change. You then "equalize" the pressure by popping your ears. I do it by plugging my nose and gently blowing. Some people do it by opening and closing their jaw, and some do it by swallowing. Try swallowing right now – you should hear a very slight ‘crackling’ in your ears – this is the same thing as the pressure equalization.
If you are unable to equalize, you won’t be able to dive – if you forced yourself to keep going down the pain would be awful and you would damage your eardrums.
Generally people with colds or congestion can’t scuba dive. You might be able to go as long as it is not allergy season…
One important point – do NOT take allergy medication (decongestant) and then go diving. Although the medication may allow you to equalize and go down, it may lose its effectiveness while you’re underwater. Then when you try to come back up to the surface, you will do a lot of damage to your ears.
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I had similar problems with my ears years ago. I attempted to take scuba lessons thinking that my problems were all "in my head". According to my doctor at the time, my ears are prone to trap water – this leads to swimmers ear, infections, and a whole host of other problems that are uncomfortable and painful. You may not have this hyper sensitivity, but if you do, you will find out when you take the lessons. I would suggest that you find some activity above water to keep you occupied.
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Absolutely agree with "Ontario Ashley".
Go,first to an Underwater Medicine Specialist and have a correct diagnosis.
Allergies problems can vary with the seasons.If this is the only problem,the specialist can suggest to you what to do.
I wish you good dives.
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A diving instructor.
diving with ear problems can and will do severe damage to your hearing….believe me when i tell you and so has everybody Else you CANNOT go below 6 feet if you cant equalize……i did by accident one time, i got to 7 feet and my bc (buoyancy control) acted up, i descended to 10 feet with extreme pain!!!!!!!!! and i luckily have been diving since 98 and knew what to do…listen to me don’t dive if you feel any pain at all….good luck
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opw diver since 98 IDEA cert
i have a problem with my eyes where air comes out when i equalize and i can’t go past 20 feet. i went to an ENT(ear nose and throat) doctor and they are trying to figure out the problem. i would suggest seeing a ENT over a regular physician they know more about this and have probably seen your case before. this is what i would do but until then don’t push it. you could end up with severe hearing problems. that almost happened to me. so i wish you the best of luck and hope you find out what is wrong. happy diving!
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