Barotrauma is a medical condition caused by a sudden or significant change in air or water pressure. It refers to physical tissue damage caused by a pressure difference between an unvented space inside the body and surrounding gas or fluid. The damage is due to shear or overstretching of tissues. As a gas-filled space expands or contracts, it can cause damage to the local tissue. Occasionally, tears in tissue can allow gas to enter the body through the initial trauma site, causing potential blockage of circulation at distant sites or interfering with normal organ function.

Barotrauma can cause various injuries, including sinus injury, ear injury, facial injury, tooth injury, an acute abdomen, pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, and subcutaneous emphysema. Ear barotrauma is a common type of barotrauma that can cause ear pain, a feeling that the ears are stuffed, hearing loss, and dizziness.

Barotrauma can occur during activities such as diving, flying, skiing, and undergoing hyperbaric chamber treatment. Treatment options for ear barotrauma include chewing gum and yawning to relieve the pressure, and medications such as decongestants may also help. In severe cases, barotrauma may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.