Barotrauma: MedlinePlus [NEW TOPIC PAGE]

NEW TOPIC PAGE:
Barotrauma: MedlinePlus

A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health

 

Barotrauma

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/barotrauma.html

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Barotrauma means injury to your body because of changes in barometric (air) or water pressure. One common type happens to your ear. A change in altitude may cause your ears to hurt. This can happen if you are flying in an airplane, driving in the mountains, or scuba diving. Divers can also get decompression sickness, which affects the whole body.
Common symptoms of ear barotrauma include

• Pain
• A feeling that your ears are stuffed
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness

Treatments for ear barotrauma include chewing gum and yawning to relieve the pressure. Medications such as decongestants may also help.

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

• Ear barotrauma

Related Topics

• Ear Disorders
• Hearing Disorders and Deafness
• Water Safety (Recreational)
• Ear, Nose and Throat
• Safety Issues