EAR DISORDER (BAROTRAUMA)
· Barotrauma occurs when the pressure inside the ear does not match the pressure outside, causing discomfort, loss of hearing or injury.
· It is damage to the middle ear caused by unequal pressure on both sides of the eardrum during changes in atmospheric pressure when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the back of the nose and upper throat, is blocked.
· This happens particularly to air travelers, scuba divers and drivers in the mountains, who experience changes in pressure.
· It is also experience by children as they usually have tonsils and adenoid enlargement and swelling.
MAIN CAUSES OF BLOCKAGE
· Congested nose from allergy, cold, or an upper respiratory infection
· Swelling in the throat
· Viral infection hamper the Eustachian tube’s functioning
· Congenital (before birth) blockage of Eustachian tube
SYMPTOMS
· Dizziness
· Ear discomfort or pain in one or both ears
· Slight, moderate or severe hearing loss
· Sensation of fullness or stuffiness in the ears
· Feeling of pressure in the ears (as if underwater)
· Nosebleed
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
· Acute ear infection
· Hearing loss
· Ruptured or perforated eardrum
· Vertigo
TREATMENT
· Inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut
· Swallow
· Yawn
· Blow nose
· Steam inhalation
· Chew gum
· Suck on candy
· When flying, do not sleep during the descent
· Decongestant nasal drops
· 1 out of 100 patients will require a surgical treatment called myringotomy, in which a small incision is made on the eardrum to release the negative pressure in the middle ear.
PREVENTION
· Use nasal decongestants or antihistamines before altitude changes.
· Try to avoid altitude changes while you have an upper respiratory infection or allergy attack.
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