Barotrauma of the sinuses or ear is a barotrauma, the causes of which include curve nasal septum and sinus trouble. If you are struggling with these problems, think twice before deciding to descend even a few meters under the water. Better check first if your ailments do not disqualify you as a diver. Check what else are the causes of barotrauma, its symptoms and what is the treatment.
Sinus barotraumais a sinus barotrauma, which may be caused, among others, by curve septum. For most of us, the septum does not divide the nose into two perfectly symmetrical parts. Such inequalities are perfectly normal and usually do not cause any major discomfort. - Problems only start when the curvature is severe. It disturbs the patency of the nose and may lead to breathing difficulties, snoring, sleep apnea, recurrent runny nose or ear inflammation - lists Dr. Iwona Gwizdalska, ENT specialist at Medicover Hospital. The curve of the septum also contributes to the malfunction of the paranasal sinuses. However, it is worth remembering that problems with them can also be caused by completely different factors. For example, overgrown tonsils, allergies or untreated infections of the upper respiratory tract may be to blame. As a result, we struggle not only with the troublesome runny nose and the feeling of stuffy nose, but also headaches, coughing, morning hoarseness or unpleasant smell from the mouth. A blocked nose for various reasons can also seriously complicate the lives of enthusiasts of discovering the underwater world.
Barotrauma - causes and symptoms
Diving involves very large pressure differences that affect our body. If we have a crooked nasal septum, inflammation of the sinuses or other ailments causing obstruction of the ducts connecting the sinuses to the nasal cavity, the lack of proper ventilation prevents the ears from being blown freely and the pressure equalizing spontaneously. - This can lead to the so-called barotrauma, a physical disruption of the tissues that most often affect the middle ear, less often the sinuses.
Symptoms of ear barotrauma include earache, clogged ears, and hearing impairment.
Such an injury can occur during both the descent and ascent and ultimately even causesinus damage or hearing problems. Therefore, if you notice any disturbing symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor - says Dr. Iwona Gwizdalska from the Medicover Hospital. In a survey of divers by DAN Europe, almost one-third admitted having had at least one episode of ear or sinus barotrauma. It is also worth knowing that diving is not the only circumstance in which such a barotrauma may occur. It also happens to people traveling by plane.
Barotrauma - treatment
Do problems with nasal or ear ventilation mean you have to give up diving forever? Fortunately not, but on the condition that we eliminate their cause before the next dive into the water. For this you need to consult an ENT specialist. In the case of paranasal sinusitis, antibiotic therapy is usually required and should be refrained from practicing an underwater hobby.
Symptoms of sinus barotrauma include headache at the level of blocked sinuses, nasal discharge, nosebleeds, and tearing
If taking antibiotics is unsuccessful or the inflammation is chronic, doctors have other methods at their disposal, for example, washing the sinus cavity with a saline solution under pressure using a special device - the Hydrodebrider. This allows you to get rid of the residual secretions and obtain adequate ventilation. - In the case of a curve of the nasal septum, the only way is to straighten it, i.e. septoplasty. It sounds serious, but thanks to the fact that today, minimally invasive techniques are used to carry out it, and the procedure is usually performed entirely intranasally, the hospital is usually left after one day without any external dressings, and you return to the form very quickly - says Dr. n. med. Iwona Gwizdalska from the Medicover Hospital.
Before going on a dive, it is worth correcting the curve of the nasal septum
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