Aerosinusitis

Aerosinusitis
Diagram of the human nasal cavity
Synonyms	Barosinusitis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Facial pain, headache, nasal congestion
Complications	Sinus infection, chronic sinusitis
Onset	During air travel, scuba diving, or altitude change
Duration	Acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Pressure changes in the environment
Risks	Upper respiratory infection, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Sinusitis, migraine, dental pain
Prevention	Decongestants, nasal sprays, pressure equalization techniques
Treatment	Analgesics, decongestants, antibiotics if infected
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common among air travelers and divers
Deaths	N/A

Aerosinusitis, also known as barosinusitis, sinus squeeze or sinus barotrauma, is a painful inflammation and sometimes bleeding of the membrane of the paranasal sinus cavities, normally the frontal sinus. It is caused by a difference in air pressures inside and outside the cavities.

File:Frontal bone sinuses.jpg

Frontal bone sinuses

Causes

Aerosinusitis is caused by a difference in air pressure between the sinus cavities and the outside environment. This can occur during air travel, scuba diving, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The pressure changes can cause the sinus membranes to swell, leading to pain and inflammation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of aerosinusitis can include severe facial pain, headache, nasal congestion, and sometimes bleeding from the nose. The pain is often worse when the person changes altitude rapidly, such as during takeoff or landing in an airplane.

Diagnosis

Aerosinusitis is diagnosed based on the symptoms and the situation in which they occur. A doctor may also use a nasal endoscopy to look at the sinuses and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for aerosinusitis usually involves relieving the symptoms and preventing further pressure changes. This can be done with decongestant medications, pain relievers, and sometimes steroids. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure.

Prevention

Prevention of aerosinusitis involves avoiding rapid changes in altitude, if possible. If this is not possible, such as during air travel, using a decongestant before the flight can help prevent the condition.

See also

• Barotrauma
• Sinusitis