Severe frontal sinus barotrauma in an airline passenger: a case report and review

The problems of sinus barotrauma in air travelers have received little attention in the literature of emergency medicine. Presented here is a report of severe (Grade III) frontal sinus barotrauma in an airline passenger. The pathophysiology and treatment of frontal sinus barotrauma are reviewed. Emergency physicians should strongly consider a diagnosis of sinus barotrauma in patients who present with symptoms of sinusitis and a history of recent flight.