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Nitrogen Narcosis, a word we hear constantly in the conversations of divers. It seems to be the source of many funny underwater stories and others not so fun. Like many of the things in diving, there are as many theories as there are divers in the world. But, what exactly is Nitrogen Narcosis? How does it affect us? Is it dangerous?<\/p>\n
Nitrogen Narcosis is a phenomenon linked to increased pressure. It is defined as:\u00a0\u201ca reversible alteration of the state of consciousness of an individual in deep diving with compressed air\u201d<\/em>. Sounds a bit confusing, right?<\/p>\n Nitrogen Narcosis is somehow like being tipsy but underwater. Comparing to alcohol, being drunk can be funny or extremely dangerous. We all have friends who turn very funny when they drink and others who react in a negative way. In turn, a diver can be very funny underwater or can pose a great danger to himself and others.<\/p>\n The reason why the Narcosis occurs is still a subject of discussion among scientists. The most accepted theory is that communication between the neurons in our brain, which is based on nitrogen bridges, is disturbed.\u00a0As you know, while diving we accumulate Nitrogen in our body. One of the places where Nitrogen accumulates are the mentioned communication bridges, which increases the distance between the neurons. The longer the distance, the more time they need to communicate.<\/p>\n Communication between the neurons in our brain is based on nitrogen bridges.While diving Nitrogen accumulates in the communication bridges, which increases the distance between the neurons. The longer the distance, the more time they need to communicate.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Most of the divers are very happy after\u00a0a dive. We simply associate it with the excitement of exploring the underwater world. There exist\u00a0countless reasons why divers love spending their time below the surface. But there may be one more reason to explain that post-immersion emotion, Narcosis.<\/p>\n Narcosis is generally associated with a phenomenon related to depth, at 30m (100ft). Many divers are not aware that the symptoms of Nitrogen Narcosis appear in shallow depths, at 2m (6ft). \u00a0Although is true that the symptoms are not important until reaching the 30 metres (100ft), practically we are\u00a0under the effects of Nitrogen Narcosis during the whole dive. The symptoms at shallow waters are little deterioration of reasoning and light euphoria. For an experienced diver these symptoms are barely noticeable. But they should be considered very seriously when diving with novice divers or with students. This could explain some difficulties in the apprenticeship and some typical attitudes of novice divers.<\/p>\n Scientists explain that you can not stop feeling the Narcosis through experience. No matter how many times you suffer it, you will always be narced.\u00a0We would not be so daring to argue with the experts, so we will state\u00a0that over time\u00a0your body learns to tolerate and minimize those effects. The more you dive, the less you feel it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many divers are not aware that the symptoms of Nitrogen Narcosis can also appear shallow depths. Practically we are under the effects of Nitrogen Narcosis during the whole dive. <\/p>\n Even though we learn that narcosis begins from 30m(100ft), this is not so with all divers. Each diver is different and not everyone is\u00a0narced\u00a0once past 30m (100ft). As with alcohol, some divers are affected before, others later, in different ways and intensities. It depends mainly on the physiology of each diver. But no one escapes narcosis once crossed the border of 40m(130ft). That is one of the reasons why the maximum depth\u00a0established for\u00a0recreational diving is 40 metres (130 ft) in most countries.<\/p>\n It all starts with a small tingling in the stomach. It\u2019s like a little euphoria. A feeling that does not look anything abnormal, just a small euphoria. Little by little, that euphoria moves from the stomach to the brain. Suddenly, a small fish makes you feel as if you were facing the best encounter of your live. A sandy bottom seems the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen. You are happy. It\u2019s the best dive you\u2019ve ever dived!<\/p>\n From that moment, everything can take different colors. You forget to check your\u00a0air\u00a0gauge or on the contrary, you look at it obsessively. It seems fun and safe to release the regulator and take out the tongue to your partner. When, late, you discover that you can not breathe without regulator, you realize that it is hanging on your back, you struggle recovering it because you are narced, thus it is not fun and safe anymore. It can happen too that you experience a terrible fear and decide to end the immersion. The variables of what can happen are very numerous and personal.<\/p>\n -Little deterioration of reasoning -Delayed response to visual and auditory stimuli. Despite all these negative aspects, there are parts that we can see as positive. Those are the ones that divers use to deal with Narcosis. While diving, it is important to be clear about these aspects thereby we can take the right decisions.<\/p>\n Do not think that the more time you spend deep, the more narced you get. Once you are narced\u00a0you are at your maximum level.\u00a0And remember that this happens after a few minutes of crossing the line of 30m (100ft).<\/p>\n This is the main solution we teach in the courses. As far as solving the Narcosis refers, it is the only one. Point to your partner and ascend slowly until you reach a shallower depth of 30m (100ft), you will see that you immediately clear your head.<\/p>\n You will not find any side effects or damages once you finish your immersion. Remember that Narcosis is a phenomenon linked to deep diving with pressurized air. In other words, \u00a0it is like getting drunk but without hangover.<\/p>\n From this very moment you have to accept a fact: you will be narced. So your only options will be either to ascend to shallower waters to make it disappear, or learn to deal with Narcosis. From this very moment you have to accept a fact: you will be narced. So your only options will be either to ascend to shallower waters to make it disappear, or learn to deal with Narcosis. Here\u00a0we bring you\u00a0some tips:<\/p>\n Sometimes it seems that we use experience as advice for everything. For buoyancy, for Nitrogen Narcosis, etc. But there is no other truth than this, the more\u00a0you dive, the better you will deal with any aspect underwater.<\/p>\n There are some\u00a0skills\u00a0such as out of air that you may have forgotten over time. Paradoxically, your experience makes you forget those\u00a0skills \u00a0that\u00a0you learned in your Open Water Course. So it\u2019s time to go back to the bases. Practice them\u00a0\u00a0in shallow water over and over again until they become instinctive. Thus, in case of emergency and being narced, you will be able to realize them without need of thinking.<\/p>\n Here is an example of what I do: I agree with my partner certain levels of depth in which we will stop and face\u00a0each other. At this point we will count up to five with the fingers beginning with the index. Thus, it is very easy to identify if your partner is narced in case he forgets to stop, counts disorderly or suspiciously slow, and the other way around if its you who fail.<\/p>\n Take the Advanced Course or the Deep Diver course. You have to see it that way. With training you will learn a lot. But in turn you will be accompanied by a professional who is very accustomed to dealing with narcosis. It\u2019s a bit like partying and your instructor is the friend who does not drink to be able to drive. Enjoy your narcosis and let your instructor watch over you!<\/p>\n Something that terrifies me is to see divers who\u00a0overweight themselves too much. But when we talk about deep diving I panic. When we dive deep it is very important to be calm and to avoid any over effort that makes us breathe heavily. In deep diving going overweight is dangerous and the reason for many accidents. Read\u00a0The Bad Habit of Overweighting.<\/a><\/p>\nNitrogen Narcosis Begins At Shallow Depths<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nHow does Nitrogen Narcosis affect us?<\/h3>\n
Symptoms less 30 meters<\/h4>\n
-Light euphoria<\/p>\nSymptoms deeper than 30 meters<\/h4>\n
-Alteration of reasoning and immediate memory.
-Errors of calculation and alteration in the capacity of decision making.
-Fixed ideas.
-Excess of trust and sense of well-being.
-Anxiety<\/p>\nThe Pro\u2019s<\/h3>\n
– It does not get worse<\/h4>\n
– Once you return to shllower waters of approx. 30m the effects disappear immediately<\/h4>\n
– No long-term damage<\/h4>\n
<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nHow to handle Nitrogen Narcosis?<\/h3>\n
– Gain expierence<\/h4>\n
– (Re-)Practice your skills<\/h4>\n
– Agree on buddy checks<\/h4>\n
– Get training<\/h4>\n
– Don\u2019t dive overweighted<\/h4>\n
– Practice your buoyancy<\/h4>\n