Common otolaryngologic problems of flying.
Pressure-volume changes associated with changing atmospheric pressure precipitate acute inflammation of the sinus and middle ear cavities, known collectively as barotrauma. Barotitis occurs during descent from high altitudes. A partial vacuum develops, manifested by a retracted tympanic membrane. Hemorrhage may occur as a consequence of the vacuum. Similar pathophysiology causes barosinusitis. While the cause of aerodontalgia is not known, pain in the teeth does occur during ascent rather than descent.
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004423:Ear / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014098:Toothache / Q000209:etiology