Severe frontal sinus barotrauma in an airline passenger: a case report and review

J Emerg Med. 1988 Mar-Apr;6(2):113-5. doi: 10.1016/0736-4679(88)90149-7.

Abstract

The problems of sinus barotrauma in air travelers have received little attention in the literature of emergency medicine. Presented here is a report of severe (Grade III) frontal sinus barotrauma in an airline passenger. The pathophysiology and treatment of frontal sinus barotrauma are reviewed. Emergency physicians should strongly consider a diagnosis of sinus barotrauma in patients who present with symptoms of sinusitis and a history of recent flight.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aerospace Medicine*
  • Barotrauma / physiopathology*
  • Barotrauma / therapy
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Frontal Sinus / injuries*
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation
  • Male