How does nitrogen affect a diver's body during repetitive dives?

During repetitive dives, nitrogen absorption increases due to the higher pressure experienced underwater. As divers descend, the pressure causes nitrogen, which is a component of the air we breathe, to dissolve into the body's tissues. With repeated dives, the accumulation of nitrogen can reach levels that exceed the body’s ability to eliminate it when ascending. If a diver ascends too quickly after a series of dives without allowing time for the nitrogen to be safely expelled, this can lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." The condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream and tissues as pressure decreases, potentially causing severe pain and various serious health issues. Understanding this relationship between nitrogen, pressure, and diving practices is critical for ensuring safety and preventing decompression sickness during and after a series of dives.