Potential Role of Hydrogen Water in Decompression Sickness (Bends): An In-depth Analysis
What is Decompression Sickness?
Decompression sickness, also known as “bends,” occurs when divers ascend too quickly from a high-pressure environment, causing nitrogen dissolved in the body to form bubbles, which can damage blood vessels and tissues. Common symptoms include dizziness, headache, joint pain, fatigue, confusion, tingling, rashes, and limb weakness. The condition is primarily caused by the rapid release of pressure, particularly when transitioning from deep water to lower-pressure environments.
Atmospheric Pressure and Its Relationship to Diving
We are constantly subjected to atmospheric pressure, which is around 14.7 pounds per square inch at sea level. For every 10 meters a diver descends, the pressure increases by one atmosphere. At 40 meters underwater, the pressure is around 5 atmospheres, which equals about 73.5 pounds of pressure per square inch. This pressure variation causes nitrogen in the diver’s body to dissolve and then release as they ascend, potentially leading to decompression sickness.
The Role of Oxygen and Nitrogen
In scuba diving, divers breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen, as pure oxygen can be toxic even at shallow depths. Nitrogen remains in the blood during the dive, and as pressure decreases upon ascent, nitrogen is released in the form of gas bubbles, which can damage blood vessels. To mitigate this risk, divers must ascend slowly, though this method is not always fully effective.
The Role of Hydrogen in Decompression Sickness
In 2000, Andreas Fahlman, a researcher, proposed that hydrogen might be a more effective alternative gas to prevent decompression sickness. Fahlman’s research suggests that hydrogen not only helps due to the gas itself but also because of a gut bacteria called “hydrogenase,” which can help reduce the number of nitrogen gas bubbles that form during ascent, lowering the risk of bends.
Fahlman’s Pig Experiment
Fahlman conducted an experiment using pigs exposed to high-pressure environments to simulate decompression sickness. Some pigs were implanted with hydrogenase bacteria, while others were not. The results showed that pigs with the bacteria had higher methane levels and a significantly lower incidence of decompression sickness. This suggests that hydrogen gas, in combination with beneficial gut bacteria, may help reduce the symptoms of bends.
Hydrogen Water’s Mechanism of Action
Hydrogen water (water enriched with hydrogen gas) is believed to potentially alleviate decompression sickness through its antioxidant properties. Hydrogen molecules can neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn may minimize the damage caused by the release of gas bubbles. Some animal studies suggest that drinking hydrogen water could reduce the occurrence of decompression sickness and tissue damage.
Current Research Status and Challenges
Support from Animal Studies: Some animal studies have shown that drinking hydrogen water reduces the occurrence of decompression sickness and tissue damage. In experiments with mice and rats, hydrogen water showed promising protective effects.
Limited Human Studies: Although some initial studies suggest hydrogen water may have benefits for decompression sickness, human studies remain limited, and the results are inconsistent. Some studies report improved oxidative stress markers, but no significant difference in the occurrence or severity of decompression sickness compared to non-hydrogen water drinkers.
Hydrogen’s Safety and Application: While hydrogen gas could theoretically be used as part of a diving gas mix, its flammability poses a safety concern. Storing hydrogen gas tanks on diving vessels could lead to dangerous situations, especially in case of a malfunction.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Potential of Hydrogen Water: In theory, hydrogen water could alleviate decompression sickness symptoms due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some animal studies support this potential, but human research is not yet sufficient to recommend it as a standard preventive or therapeutic approach.
Traditional Prevention Methods Still Essential: The primary methods of preventing decompression sickness remain slow ascension, following proper decompression procedures, and using appropriate equipment. Hydrogen water could serve as an adjunct but should not replace these fundamental practices.
Cautious Use: If divers wish to try hydrogen water as a preventive measure, they should do so under the guidance of a medical professional while adhering to standard diving safety protocols.
Future Outlook
Future research needs to further validate the actual effects of hydrogen water on decompression sickness, particularly through high-quality clinical trials to establish its effectiveness and mechanism. Additionally, as hydrogen gas application technology advances, it may provide more solutions for deep-sea diving, especially if helium resources become scarce.
