What is "Barotrauma" in the context of diving?

Barotrauma refers to an injury that occurs due to pressure changes affecting air-filled spaces in the body, most commonly encountered during diving. When a diver descends or ascends, the surrounding water pressure changes significantly. If a diver does not equalize the pressure in air-filled spaces, such as the ears, sinuses, or lungs, these areas can experience damage due to the pressure difference.

For instance, if a diver ascends too quickly, the air in the lungs expands due to the decrease in pressure, potentially causing lung over-expansion injuries. Similarly, if a diver descends without properly equalizing the pressure in the ears, they might experience pain or injury as the external pressure increases. Understanding barotrauma is crucial for divers to prevent serious injuries caused by these rapid changes in pressure, emphasizing the importance of equalization techniques during dives.