[Barotrauma in children and adults after flying. Prevalence and treatment with Otovent]

To prevent barotitis during descent in aviation, the ears have to be cleared several times by performing the Valsalva's manoeuvre. The manoeuvre is difficult for children to perform, and they are therefore at high risk of developing barotitis. The treatment of barotitis is either inflation by a Politzer balloon or myringotomy. An alternative treatment is autoinflation using the Otovent. This prophylaxis/treatment can be performed by the child with assistance from its parents as soon as or preferably before the descent has started. The prevalence of barotitis amongst 45 children and 49 adults in transit was found to be highest in children, 28%, compared with adults, 10%. Only 6% of the children with negative middle ear pressure after flight managed a successful Valsalva manoeuvre, whereas 33% could normalise the middle ear pressure by inflating the Otovent. In conclusion we recommend autoinflation using the Otovent set by children and adults who have problems clearing their ears during flight.