Barotrauma of the ear and paranasal sinuses

Abstract

With the increasing popularity of amateur scuba diving and the availability of commercial airplane flights, otorhinolaryngologists will increasingly encounter patients suffering from the effects of barotrauma. Barotrauma occurs according to the principles of Boyle's law, more precisely, due to the inability to equalize pressures within the body cavities. The pathophysiology of barotrauma of the ear and paranasal cavities is reviewed, as well as therapeutic options for prevention and treatment.