Postflight Pulmonary Barotrauma in a Pilot Without Underlying Disease

Exposure to pressure changes can result in barotrauma in gas-filled cavities when volume expansion exceeds tissue strength, leading to local disruption. While few cases have been reported, we present a case of pulmonary barotrauma developed postflight in a pilot without underlying disease, and the most likely reason is improper pressure-breathing in flight.

A 25-yr-old healthy male fighter pilot experienced slight chest pain 3 h after a 1-h flight training mission, during which the peak G was 6 G. The symptoms worsened during eating and were accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. Chest CT scans showed pneumothorax and mediastinal emphysema. Symptoms improved after oxygen inhalation and the pilot resumed flying duties (no high-G dynamic flight maneuvers) after 1 mo of observation on the ground.

The case revealed pulmonary barotrauma in an experienced pilot with no disease history due to inappropriate positive pressure-breathing, suggesting the importance of fully training in positive pressure-breathing for G. We recommend pilots who experience unusual respiratory symptoms after landing report to medical for urgent review and the flight surgeon should, at that time, consider flight-related factors leading to barotrauma. Meng W, Zhou Q, Qing L. Postflight pulmonary barotrauma in a pilot without underlying disease. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(7):578-580.