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, th e human body with its gas-filled cavities is exposed to an increased ambien t 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 th e effects of an increased and varying ambient pressure are reviewed. Barotr auma of the outer, middle and inner ear, the paranasal sinuses, face, teeth and larynx are explained and classified in those during the compression an d decompression phase. This is followed by a discussion of inner ear decomp ression sickness. The present article will provide a background and foundat ion for both, an adequate treatment of these diseases and a critical and re sponsible health education of the diver.