![]() Unless you are experiencing eye pain or visual problems, there is no treatment for facial barotrauma except time. ![]() This healing is a natural process that corresponds with how your body metabolizes the blood. Subconjunctival petechiae and hemorrhage from mask barotraumaĭuring the healing process, blood will change color from the initial bright red to a darker red, then greenish, then yellowish before the eye returns to its standard white color. Visual disturbances are rare, but they are a sign of a more severe compromise and require immediate medical evaluation. In some cases, subconjunctival petechiae or hemorrhage (blood from burst vessels) appears in the white of the eye. ![]() After it is resolved by properly equalizing the mask or ascending to the surface, you may show some swelling in the affected area and red, brown, or purple spots (petechiae), particularly on your eyelids. The result ranges from mild discomfort to pain. The negative pressure over the soft tissues beneath the mask (upper cheeks, nose, lower forehead, eyelids and eyeballs) will cause engorgement of the blood vessels. You will likely feel a suction effect over the affected area. The pressure difference can result in various degrees of facial barotrauma, which is an injury to the soft tissues of the face contained within the mask. Failure to equalize by adding air to the space in the mask (by exhaling through your nose), can create unequal pressure between the air space in the mask and the vascular pressure within the blood vessels of the face. Mechanisms of InjuryĪs with your sinuses and ears, you must also equalize the air space in your mask as you descend. Blockages of nose - such as congestion or nose clips - will interfere with mask equalization. It tends to be more common in new divers. In most cases this is a relatively benign injury. The slit will heal quickly, and may not be a permanent solution.Mask squeeze (mask barotrauma or facial barotrauma) results from a failure to equalize the air space created between your mask and face. This can also remove any fluid that’s present in the middle ear. The second surgical option involves a tiny slit being made into the eardrum to better allow pressure to equalize. The ear tube will typically remain in place for six to 12 months. These are also commonly used in those with chronic barotrauma who frequently change altitudes, like those who need to fly or travel often. ![]() Ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes or grommets, are most commonly used in children and they can help prevent infections from ear barotrauma. These small cylinders are placed through the eardrum to stimulate airflow into the middle of the ear. Chronic cases of ear barotrauma may be aided with the help of ear tubes. In severe or chronic cases of barotrauma, surgery may be the best option for treatment. Symptoms that don’t respond to self-care may require surgery to prevent permanent damage to the eardrum. A ruptured eardrum can take up to two months to heal. In some cases, ear barotrauma results in a ruptured eardrum. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or a steroid to help in cases of infection or inflammation. You may help relieve the effects of air pressure on your ears by: There are some self-care steps you can take for immediate relief. Most cases of ear barotrauma generally heal without medical intervention. To prevent ear barotrauma, descend slowly while diving. Middle ear barotrauma is particularly common in divers, as the pressure underwater changes drastically. Symptoms typically develop immediately or soon after the dive. ![]() The first 14 feet of the dive is often the biggest risk for ear injury for divers. When you go diving, you are in much more pressure underwater than on land. Other situations that might cause ear barotrauma include:ĭiving is a common cause of ear barotrauma. The condition is sometimes referred to as airplane ear. One of the places many people experience ear barotrauma is during an airplane’s ascent or descent. When the tube is blocked, symptoms develop because the pressure in the ear is different than the pressure outside of your eardrum.Īltitude changes are the most common cause of this condition. For example, yawning normally opens the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube helps to restore equilibrium during changes in pressure. Eustachian tube blockage is one of the causes of ear barotrauma. ![]()
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