Nitrogen Narcosis
Nitrogen Narcosis is a Diving Health Risk which occurs when there is a higher concentration of nitrogen dissolved in the blood.
Causes and Symptoms
Divers, who go deeper into the water approximately more than 100 feet, are prone to Nitrogen Narcosis.
As described in the Dalton's Law, the total pressure is the sum of the pressures of the gases in the mixture. Since pressure increases as the Diver descends, the partial pressure of nitrogen also increases, and more nitrogen becomes present in the blood. A higher concentration of nitrogen in the blood results to impairment of nerve impulses and feeling of uneasiness. The symptoms of Nitrogen Narcosis are similar to the effects of alcohol intoxication.
Other warning signs of Nitrogen Narcosis include a feeling of elation, altered mental state, impaired ability of reasoning and coordination, and loss of balance.
Prevention
Since Nitrogen Narcosis happens only on deep dives, you can avoid it by simply limiting the depth of your dives. Maintaining your focus and concentration, proper maintenance of Diving Gear and Equipment, and having good Buoyancy can also lessen the chances of Nitrogen Narcosis to occur. Moreover, alcohol and nitrogen combined can have nasty effects. Abstain from alcohol at least a day before diving.
Treatment
Ascend properly when Nitrogen Narcosis happens. Gas pressure decreases during ascent. You will notice that the symptoms or effects will disappear quickly. Unlike alcohol intoxication, Nitrogen Narcosis has no hangover or effects that require extra medical treatment.
Nitrogen Narcosis is hard to recognize. Knowing what kind of hazard it is, its symptoms, prevention and treatment, you can be prepared if in case it happens to you or to one of your fellow divers.
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