barotraumaa

Barotrauma refers to physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between a gas-filled space within or surrounding the body and the surrounding ambient pressure. This pressure differential can lead to expansion or compression of gases, resulting in injury. Common scenarios where barotrauma occurs include scuba diving, flying, and underwater explosions.

In diving, barotrauma can affect the ears, sinuses, and lungs. During descent, increased external pressure can force air into air-filled spaces, causing pain and potential rupture of tissues. During ascent, decreasing external pressure can cause trapped air to expand, leading to lung overexpansion injuries if not properly managed. Ear barotrauma, also known as ear squeeze, is a frequent occurrence where the pressure difference between the middle ear and the surrounding water causes pain and can damage the eardrum.

In aviation, changes in altitude create pressure differentials that can affect the ears and sinuses. Passengers may experience discomfort or pain if they cannot equalize the pressure in their middle ears. Rapid decompression events in aircraft, though rare, can also lead to barotrauma.

Barotrauma is a significant concern in occupational health and safety, particularly for individuals working in environments with fluctuating pressures, such as caisson workers. Prevention and management of barotrauma often involve understanding pressure dynamics, proper equalization techniques, and controlled ascents/descents in diving and aviation. Medical attention is necessary for severe cases, especially lung overexpansion injuries.