Barotrauma
Barotrauma is a medical term to describe the uncomfortable sensation in the ear like being in an airplane. In this condition, the ear feels like it is clogged with cotton.
Barotrauma Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease can occur in one or both ears at once. The signs include:
- Discomfort or pain in the ear.
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ears.
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss.
- Ringing in the ears or tinnitus.
- A sensation of spinning or vertigo.
- Bleeding from inside the ear.
Causes of Barotrauma
Barotrauma is a type of ear injury that occurs when something blocks the eustachian tube. This tube is located behind the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its function is to maintain air pressure on both sides of the eardrum by allowing outside air to enter the middle ear.
When air cannot reach the middle part, air pressure builds up in the space behind the eardrum. This condition causes the pressure in the middle ear to become unbalanced. The difference in air pressure can trigger an increase in air pressure in the ear and potentially cause pain.
Risk Factors for Barotrauma
The triggering factors for barotrauma are:
- The eustachian tube is too small.
- Have the flu.
- Having a sinus infection.
- Suffering from hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
- Having a middle ear infection or otitis media.
- Slept on the plane the entire way.
Diagnosis of Barotrauma
The diagnostic procedure is carried out based on the history of symptoms experienced by the sufferer. Then, the doctor performs a physical examination of the ear with a lighted instrument called an otoscope.
Barotrauma Treatment
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms experienced by sufferers. Some of the procedures are:
1. Medicines
The recommended types of medication are decongestant nasal sprays or oral decongestants (taken by mouth). To relieve discomfort, sufferers will be given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Aleve), and/or analgesic pain relievers, such as acetaminophen.
2. Self-Care Therapy
This method is done using the Valsalva maneuver. The method is to close the nostrils using the thumb and index finger. Then close your mouth and practice blowing your nose. This step aims to send air to the back of the nose.
3. Operation
The procedure is needed to treat severe conditions, such as a ruptured eardrum or ruptured inner ear membrane. This involves making an incision in the eardrum (myringotomy) to equalize air pressure and drain fluid that is blocked in the ear cavity.
Complications of Barotrauma
Complications are conditions experienced when there is damage to the structure of the middle or inner ear. Among them are permanent hearing loss, deafness or ringing in the ears.
Barotrauma Prevention
The preventive steps that can be taken are:
- Yawn and swallow while flying. This works to activate the muscles that open the eustachian tubes.
- Use the Valsalva maneuver when climbing mountains or traveling to high altitudes. Repeat several times to equalize the air pressure between the ears of the place visited.
- Use an over-the-counter nasal spray. If you have a stuffy nose, use the nasal spray about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing.
- Use earplugs. These devices can slowly equalize the pressure on the eardrum. However, users still need to yawn and swallow to reduce the air pressure.