From the Research
Diagnosis of Barotrauma
- Barotrauma is defined as an injury due to pressure differences between atmospheric and intratympanic pressures 1
- The condition occurs when the eustachian tube fails to equilibrate middle ear and atmospheric pressures, leading to traumatic inflammation of the middle ear 2
- Symptoms of barotrauma include ear fullness, otalgia, and deafness, with severe cases resulting in tympanic membrane perforation and round window membrane rupture 2
Treatment of Barotrauma
- Oral pseudoephedrine decongestants have been shown to reduce otalgia in adults with recurrent ear pain during air travel, but their effectiveness in children is unclear 2
- Oxymetazoline decongestant nasal spray has not been found to produce a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of barotrauma in adults with recurrent ear pain during air travel 2
- Decongestant nasal sprays and nasal steroids are used to prevent middle ear barotrauma during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but their efficacy is questionable 3
- A tympanometry-based anti-barotrauma device has been designed to provide objective feedback on eardrum condition during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and may be useful in preventing middle ear barotrauma 3
Prevention of Barotrauma
- Understanding the pathophysiology of middle ear barotrauma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and proper decision making about treatment and prevention 4
- The eustachian tube, tympanic cavity, and mastoid work together in a neural controlled feedback system to regulate middle ear pressure 4
- Active equalization of the middle ear space is required to prevent barotrauma during hyperbaric oxygen therapy 3