What are the two most common dive maladies?

The two most common dive maladies are overexpansion injury and decompression sickness.

Overexpansion injury occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, causing gases that were absorbed under pressure to expand rapidly, leading to potential lung overexpansion and possible rupture. This can happen if a diver holds their breath during ascent, which is particularly dangerous and can result in serious injury.

Decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after being at depth. During the dive, the body absorbs nitrogen from the breathing gas under high pressure. If a diver does not ascend slowly enough, nitrogen bubbles can form in the bloodstream and tissues as the pressure decreases, leading to a range of symptoms that can affect various body systems.

These two conditions are widely recognized as significant risks in diving, emphasizing the importance of proper ascent rates and decompression practices to ensure a diver's safety. Understanding and preventing these maladies is crucial for divers to minimize their risk during underwater activities.