injuries and poisoning
Barotrauma
Symptoms of Barotrauma
Symptoms of barotrauma usually begin near the surface during descent or ascent. Symptoms depend on which organ is affected. Divers often use the term squeeze for injuries other than those to the lungs caused by differences in pressure. Pneumothorax and When divers do not properly equalize pressure in the face mask with the water pressure during descent, the relatively lower pressure inside the mask causes it to act like a suction cup applied to the eyes and face. The difference in pressure inside and outside the mask causes blood vessels near the surface of the eyes (or on the face) to dilate, leak fluid, and finally burst and bleed. The eyes appear red and bloodshot, but vision is not usually affected. Rarely, bleeding behind the eyes can occur, causing loss of vision. Bleeding of blood vessels in the face causes usually a bruised appearance. If pressure in the middle ear becomes lower than the water pressure during descent, the resulting stress causes a painful inward The Eustachian Tube: Keeping Air Pressure Equal . When the pressure difference becomes high enough, the eardrum ruptures, resulting in a rush of cold water into the middle ear, causing severe vertigo (dizziness with a spinning sensation), disorientation, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. These symptoms are hallmarks of Pressure differences have effects on the sinuses (air-filled pockets in the bones around the nose) that are similar to the effects of ear barotrauma. They cause facial pain and headaches, during descent and a feeling of congestion in the face or nose or a bloody nose during ascent. Occasionally, people have extreme sensitivity of the skin over the cheek or impaired vision. Pressure in the air spaces at the roots of teeth or next to fillings can cause toothache or damage teeth. Small air bubbles can form and become trapped behind hard contact lenses. The bubbles can damage the eyes and cause soreness, loss of vision, and the appearance of halos around lights. Breathing improperly from a regulator or using ear and sinus pressure-equalization techniques may cause divers to swallow small amounts of air during a dive. This air expands during ascent, causing abdominal fullness, cramps, pain, belching, and flatulence. These symptoms usually resolve on their own. Rarely, the stomach or intestine bursts, causing severe abdominal pain and severe illness. 