Fatigue and exhaustion in diving: diagnosis and treatment

Fatigue in diving is not the same as fatigue in running. In the water, ignored fatigue has more serious consequences.

Types of fatigue in diving

Muscle fatigue
Legs are sore from long diving, and this is normal. Requires rest between dives and adequate hydration.

Cardiorespiratory fatigue
Rapid breathing and an elevated heartbeat even after rising to the surface are a warning sign.

Psychological fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, negligence in safety rules, and not paying attention to what is around you are a dangerous sign.

Mandatory stop marks

• Breathing faster than usual at rest
• Slight dizziness or blurred vision
• Unusual pain in the chest or extremities
• Mood swings and difficulty making simple decisions

Correct recovery

• Drink at least 500 ml of water after each long dive
• Adequate rest for at least the same duration as the dive
• A snack that restores blood sugar to normal

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The body speaks. A wise diver listens and stops before he is forced to stop.