Med. praxi. 2020;17(4):247-249 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2020.046

Meningitis as a consequence of air travel

doc. MUDr. Olga Džupová, Ph.D.1, MUDr. Dita Smíšková, Ph.D.2
1 Klinika infekčních nemocí 3. LF UK a Nemocnice Na Bulovce, Praha
2 Klinika infekčních nemocí 2. LF UK a Nemocnice Na Bulovce, Praha

During the air travel, the pressure and volume of air in the middle ear and paranasal sinuses fluctuate. If, for some reason, air exchange in the cavities is not possible, barotrauma may occur and, rarely, can cause a serious mechanical damage or inflammatory disease. Bacterial purulent meningitis, when develops within a few days of air travel, is probably a direct consequence of barotrauma. Headache and other flight-related neurological symptoms should be assessed for possible association with pressure-induced damage.

Keywords: barotrauma, otitis, sinusitis, meningitis.

Published: September 25, 2020  Show citation

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Džupová O, Smíšková D. Meningitis as a consequence of air travel. Med. praxi. 2020;17(4):247-249. doi: 10.36290/med.2020.046.
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