Diving medicine problems in the otolaryngology field. I. Barotrauma and decompression sickness.

Recreational scuba diving has become immensely popular in recent years and is no longer restricted to individualists or adventurers. During a dive, the human body with its gas-filled cavities is exposed to an increased ambient pressure. In the present review article, aspects of diving and hyperbaric medicine related to the otolaryngology field are presented. The basics of physics, physiology and pathophysiology that are essential to understand the effects of an increased and varying ambient pressure are reviewed. Barotrauma of the outer, middle and inner ear, the paranasal sinuses, face, teeth and larynx are explained and classified in those during the compression and decompression phase. This is followed by a discussion of inner ear decompression sickness. The present article will provide a background and foundation for both, an adequate treatment of these diseases and a critical and responsible health education of the diver.