Which barotrauma is associated with sinus pressure changes during ascent or descent?

• A. Ear barotrauma
• B. Lung barotrauma
• C. Sinus barotrauma
• D. Cardiac barotrauma

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how rapid changes in ambient pressure affect air-filled cavities that can’t easily equalize with the outside environment. The sinuses are hollow spaces connected to the nasal passages, and they rely on small openings to balance pressure with the surrounding air. If these openings are blocked by congestion or inflammation, the pressure inside the sinus can’t equalize as you ascend or descend.

During ascent, external pressure drops, so the gas in the sinus tends to expand. If the sinus openings are blocked, that expanding gas builds pressure against the sinus walls, causing facial pain, pressure, and sometimes nasal bleeding. During descent, external pressure increases, compressing the sinus gas and producing a similar painful pressure if drainage is hindered. This mismatch between outside pressure and trapped sinus air is what drives sinus barotrauma.

So the correct answer points to sinus barotrauma. For contrast, ear barotrauma involves the middle ear and Eustachian tube, lung barotrauma involves overdistension or rupture of lung tissue, and cardiac barotrauma isn’t a standard term in this context.