Aerosinusitis

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.

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