PADI Advanced Open Water Practice Exam 2025 - Free Diving Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," can present a variety of symptoms resulting from nitrogen bubbles forming in the body when a diver ascends too quickly. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is pain, often localized to joints and muscles, which can be quite severe. This pain is generally due to nitrogen bubbles obstructing blood vessels or irritating tissues in these areas, leading to discomfort. Additionally, the pain can vary in intensity and may even mimic other conditions, making it significant for divers to recognize.

While other symptoms like coughing, severe headaches, and nausea can occur in various dive-related issues, they are not specific or as consistently associated with decompression sickness as pain is. Recognizing and responding to pain as a symptom of decompression sickness is crucial for the diver’s safety and prompt treatment. Understanding this connection enhances a diver's ability to identify serious dive-related conditions and initiate timely action when necessary.