Barotrauma

Trauma caused by rapid or extreme changes in air pressure, especially affecting enclosed cavities within the body such as the middle ear (otic barotrauma), the sinuses (sinus barotrauma), and the lungs (pulmonary barotrauma).

Middle ear problems due to changing atmospheric pressures, as when a plane descends to land. The problems include ear pain, ringing, diminished hearing and, sometimes, dizziness.

Also known as aerotitis: aerotitis media, barotitis, barotitis media.

Sinus troubles, particularly with pain and a feeling of pressure, due to changing atmospheric pressures, as when going up or down in a plane.

Also called aerosinusitis or barosinusitis.

Damage to the lung from rapid or excessive pressure changes, as may occur when a patient is on a ventilator and is subjected to high airway pressure. Pulmonary barotrauma can also occur in scuba and other forms of diving.