Barotrauma is a situation in which there is a feeling of earpluging, headaches or dizziness from the difference in pressure between the ear canal and the outdoor environment, this situation being common in high-altitude environments or during a plane ride.
Although ear barotrauma is more common, this can occur in other areas of the body that contain gases, such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, for example, and is also caused by the pressure difference between the internal and external compartments.
- Barotrauma is usually treated with the use of pain relievers.
- But in more severe cases.
- The otolaryngologist or family doctor may indicate that surgery is needed to resolve the situation.
Symptoms of barotrauma vary depending on the affected site, the main ones being:
Barotrauma can occur as a result of various situations that can result in a sudden pressure difference, such as holding your breath, diving, flying, high-altitude locations, and respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in which mechanical ventilation is more important. often required.
Barotrauma identification is done by your doctor based on the patient’s symptoms and the result of imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, for example.
Pulmonary barotrauma is caused by the difference in gas pressure in and out of the lung, mainly due to mechanical ventilation in people with chronic respiratory diseases, but it can also occur after surgery and in people with asthma, for example.
The main symptoms associated with pulmonary barotrauma include shortness of breath, chest pain and a feeling of fullness in the chest.If barotrauma is not identified and treated, there may be rupture of the alveoli, for example, which can interfere with a person’s quality of life.
Treatment of barotrauma is based on symptoms, and decongestant and analgesic medications are generally indicated to reduce symptoms, and oxygen may be required for respiratory symptoms depending on the case.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend using oral corticosteroids or perform surgery to correct the problem.