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Barotitis, Pediatric

Judith Brylinski Larkin, MD, FAAP Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Barotrauma of the middle or inner ear, most commonly caused by flying in an airplane or scuba diving but also caused by travel in elevators and travel to high altitudes

  • May also be se...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Ear pain, pressure sensation, diminished hearing

  • Symptoms of inner ear damage may include vestibular and/or auditory complaints including tinnitus, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Histor...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Valsalva maneuver (blowing the nose while pinching the nostrils closed) may be helpful when diving or descending and will force air into the middle ear via the eustachian tub...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Most patients with barotitis can be managed conservatively. Those with complications noted earlier require specialist referral. 

PROGNOSIS

  • Complet...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD9

  • 993.0 Barotrauma, otitic

  • 388.70 Otalgia, unspecified

  • 388.30 Tinnitus, unspecified

  • 389.9 Unspecified hearing loss

  • 780.4 Dizziness and giddiness

ICD10

  • T70.0XXA Otitic barotrauma, initial encounter

  • H9...

FAQ

  • Q: Is the Valsalva maneuver also effective on plane ascent?

  • A: Yes. Creating even greater pressure in the middle ear by performing the Valsalva maneuver can overcome a resistant eustachian tube and...

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