What condition results from rapid pressure decrease in air-filled spaces?

What condition results from rapid pressure decrease in air-filled spaces?

• A. Barotrauma
• B. Decompression sickness
• C. Hypoxia
• D. Hyperventilation

Answer: (A)

Rapid pressure decrease causes the gas inside air-filled spaces to expand. If a diver or climber can’t equalize or vent that expanding gas, the pressure difference stretches and can rupture membranes or tissues. This injury pattern is known as barotrauma, commonly affecting the ears, sinuses, and, in more severe cases, the lungs during rapid ascent. It’s distinct from decompression sickness, which stems from dissolved inert gas forming bubbles in tissues during decompression rather than from overexpansion of gas in cavities. Hypoxia and hyperventilation are unrelated to this pressure-driven injury.

Rapid pressure decrease causes the gas inside air-filled spaces to expand. If a diver or climber can’t equalize or vent that expanding gas, the pressure difference stretches and can rupture membranes or tissues. This injury pattern is known as barotrauma, commonly affecting the ears, sinuses, and, in more severe cases, the lungs during rapid ascent. It’s distinct from decompression sickness, which stems from dissolved inert gas forming bubbles in tissues during decompression rather than from overexpansion of gas in cavities. Hypoxia and hyperventilation are unrelated to this pressure-driven injury.