What is the outcome when a diver ascends too quickly while holding dissolved gas in their body?

When a diver ascends too quickly while holding dissolved gas in their body, bubbles may form in the tissues due to a rapid decrease in pressure. This is a significant aspect of decompression physiology, often referred to as decompression sickness (DCS) or "the bends." As a diver goes deeper, ambient pressure increases, which allows gases like nitrogen to dissolve in the body's fluids. During ascent, if the pressure drops too quickly, the dissolved gases come out of solution faster than the body can eliminate them. This leads to the formation of bubbles that can cause various symptoms and potentially serious medical conditions.

Understanding this critical safety aspect highlights the importance of controlled ascent rates during diving, ensuring that divers allow sufficient time for the safe elimination of excess nitrogen from their body. Proper ascent rates and adhering to dive tables or dive computers are essential to prevent bubbles from forming, thereby avoiding complications associated with decompression sickness.