Barotrauma is physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between a gas space inside, or contact with, the body and the surrounding environment. It is commonly seen in scuba divers and airplane passengers, as the change in pressure can cause pain, hearing problems, and other issues. Barotrauma can be caused by a number of different activities, including deep-sea diving, flying in an airplane, and working in a pressurized environment. The most common type of barotrauma is called “ear barotrauma,” which is experienced when there is a difference in pressure between the air inside the ear and the air outside of the ear. This type of barotrauma can cause pain, hearing loss, and other symptoms. Treatment for this type of barotrauma typically involves relieving the pressure difference and treating any resulting symptoms.
What is barotrauma and what can cause it?
Barotrauma is an injury caused by pressure changes in the environment, such as sudden changes in altitude or underwater depth. It can affect several areas of the body, including the ears, lungs, and sinuses. Some of the most common causes of barotrauma include air travel, scuba diving, skydiving, and high-altitude climbing. Symptoms of barotrauma can vary depending on the affected area and may include ear pain, ringing in the ears, dizziness, ear bleeding, hearing loss, and difficulty hearing.
What are examples of barotrauma?
Barotrauma is a type of physical damage caused by a difference in pressure between a gas space inside, or in contact with, a person’s body and the surrounding environment. Examples of barotrauma include ear barotrauma, which occurs when the pressure inside the inner ear is greater than the pressure outside, and lung barotrauma, which occurs when the pressure inside the lungs is greater than the pressure outside. Other examples include sinus barotrauma, which occurs when the pressure inside the sinuses is greater than the pressure outside, and dental barotrauma, which occurs when the pressure inside the mouth is greater than the pressure outside. Additionally, barotrauma can occur in fish, with examples including deep-water fish experiencing barotrauma when brought to the surface, and fish that become trapped in areas of low pressure.
What happens during barotrauma?
Barotrauma occurs when a person is exposed to a difference in atmospheric pressure, such as during a flight or a dive. This pressure difference can damage the eardrum, causing it to become swollen, inflamed, and painful. It can also cause a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing, as well as ringing in the ears. In extreme cases, it can cause a rupture or tear in the eardrum, which can lead to hearing loss.
What is barotrauma diving?
Barotrauma is a physical injury caused by a difference in pressure between a gas space inside, or in contact with, the body and the surrounding environment. In diving, barotrauma is caused by the pressure changes that occur when a diver descends or ascends too quickly. The most common form of barotrauma in diving is middle-ear barotrauma, also known as an ‘ear squeeze’. This occurs when pressure in the air space of the middle ear is not equalized to the surrounding water pressure, resulting in pain and sometimes permanent hearing loss. Other forms of barotrauma can include sinus barotrauma, air embolism, and pulmonary barotrauma, which is the most life-threatening form. To prevent barotrauma, divers should use proper ascent and descent techniques, and should make sure to equalize their ears regularly during the dive.