What does the term 'barotrauma' specifically refer to?

The term 'barotrauma' specifically refers to injury caused by excessive pressure, particularly that which results from differences in pressure between the inside of an organ or body cavity and the external environment. This is commonly associated with trauma experienced during activities such as scuba diving or flying at high altitudes, where rapid changes in pressure can lead to injuries in air-filled spaces of the body, such as the lungs, sinuses, or ears.

Understanding barotrauma is crucial in critical care settings, as it can lead to serious complications, including pneumothorax or rupture of organs. This distinguishes it from other physiological stresses like low oxygen levels (which would refer to hypoxia), fluid overload (which primarily affects the cardiovascular system), and injuries related to mechanical restraints (focused on physical trauma rather than pressure changes).