EAR barotrauma is discomfort and possible damage in the ear due to pressure differences between the inside and outside of the eardrum. Alternative Names for the disease are Barotitis media, barotrauma, ear popping, pressure-related ear pain and Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Known causes
The air pressure in the middle ear is usually the same as the air pressure outside of the body. The eustachian tube is a connection between the middle ear and the back of the nose and upper throat.
Swallowing or yawning opens the eustachian tube and allows air to flow into or out of the middle ear, keeping the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum equal.
If the eustachian tube is blocked, the air pressure in the middle ear is different than the pressure on the outside of the eardrum.
This causes barotrauma.
Many people experience barotrauma at some time. Barotrauma commonly occurs with altitude changes, such as flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains.
If you have a congested nose from allergies, colds, or an upper respiratory infection, you are more likely to develop barotrauma. Blockage of the eustachian tube could also be present before birth (congenital), or it may occur because of swelling in the throat.
Identify it
Some of the symptoms of the condition are dizziness, ear discomfort or pain in one or both ears, hearing loss (slight) and sensation of fullness or stuffiness in the ears. If the condition is severe or prolonged you will experience ear pain, feeling of pressure in ears (as if underwater), moderate to severe hearing loss and nosebleed.
During an inspection of the ear, the doctor may see a slight outward bulge or inward pull of the eardrum. If the condition is severe, there may be blood behind the eardrum.
Prevention
You can use nasal decongestants or antihistamines before altitude changes. Try to avoid altitude changes while you have an upper respiratory infection or allergy attack.
Treatment
To relieve ear pain or discomfort, first try to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure. You can chew gum, inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut, suck on candy and even yawn.
When flying, do not sleep during the descent. Use these measures frequently to open the eustachian tube. Allow infants and children to nurse or sip a drink during descent. Divers should descend and ascend slowly. Diving while you have allergies or a respiratory infection is dangerous, because barotrauma may be severe.
If self-care attempts do not relieve your discomfort within a few hours, or if the barotrauma is severe, you may need medical intervention. If the tube will not open with other treatments, surgery may be necessary.
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