What is barotrauma?

Barotrauma refers to injuries resulting from changes in pressure that affect enclosed body surfaces. This condition is commonly encountered in various situations, such as scuba diving, where the pressure changes as a diver descends or ascends can impact air-filled spaces in the body, like the lungs, sinuses, or middle ear. These injuries occur because the pressure differential causes physical stress on these tissues, leading to potential damage.

Understanding barotrauma is crucial for medical professionals, particularly in emergency medicine, as it can result in serious complications that require specific treatment. Recognizing it helps in managing patients who have experienced rapid ascents, such as divers, or those in aviation environments where sudden changes in pressure may occur.