Barotrauma is a type of injury caused to tissues by changes in air pressure. There are different types; a very common one is ear barotrauma. We explain what it consists of, how it can affect you and what to do to avoid it.
Perhaps not all of us know how to define what is ear barotrauma, but most of us have ever felt a somewhat painful pressure or a sensation of buzzing. This can happen when we are on a high mountain, we are going by plane or we are submerged in the water at a certain depth.
Barotrauma is a nuisance and discomfort in mild cases, although it also manifests itself with symptoms that are of care. In this article we will explain everything about barotrauma in general and, in particular, about the ear, which is one of the most common.
What is ear barotrauma and how is it produced?
In the human body there are gases. And it is not only those that are in the intestines, which can manifest in the form of flatulence. We have air inside different cavities and structures. For example, in the lungs, but also in the ear and sinuses.
Normally there is a balance between the external pressure of the atmosphere and the internal pressure of these gases. This sometimes changes. If we are underwater, at a certain depth, the pressure increases; on the contrary, it goes down when we are at the top of a mountain.
With the interior-exterior imbalance, the air is compressed or expanded within the mentioned cavities. If internal pressure increases or decreases, barotrauma or barotrauma can occur.
However, otic barotrauma can also occur as a result of a blow to the head. It is even associated with nasal congestion, colds and allergies. This is because, when we snort, we press towards the ear, which is connected to the nose and pharynx through the Eustachian tube.
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