Barotitis media (BM) is defined, by Armstrong & Hein, as a chronic or acute traumatic inflammation caused by variations of atmospheric pressure. AIM: The purpose of the present study was to analyze clinical aspects related to BM in crewmembers of commercial airlines. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical retrospective. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A group of 17 patients with BM was evaluated from December 2002 to September 2003. Aspects related to age, gender, clinical history, treatment and follow-up were studied. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, 11 were males and 6 females, aged from 28 to 51, with average of 37,3 years old. All of them complained of ear pain during the descent phase of the flight prior to land. 14 patients (82,4%) complained of aural pressure and two of tinnitus. Before the flight, 11 patients (64,7%) had complains related to upper respiratory tract. Barotrauma was observed grade 1 in 17,6% of patients, grade 2 in 58,8% and grade 3 in 23,6%. Nobody had barotrauma grade 4. The patients were treated with oral decongestants associated or not with antibiotics and corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: BM is a peculiar disease in aerospace medicine and otorhinolaringology areas. Understanding of pathogenesis and prevention mechanisms of BM is essential for the management of these patients.
barotitis; barotrauma; tubal function
