What condition may result from flying too soon after scuba diving?

Flying too soon after scuba diving can lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." This condition occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depth. During scuba diving, a diver's body absorbs nitrogen from the breathing gas at higher pressures. If a diver ascends too quickly to the surface or flies soon after scuba diving, the reduction in pressure can cause the nitrogen gas that has been absorbed in the body to form bubbles. These bubbles can then expand and lead to various symptoms, some of which can be severe.

Decompression sickness can manifest in various ways, including joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, and even life-threatening conditions if not treated promptly. This makes it crucial for divers to adhere to the recommended surface intervals before flying, typically at least 24 hours after a single dive or longer after multiple dives, to minimize the risk of this condition.