Barotrauma Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Ear Barotrauma, Pulmonary Barotrauma, Mask Barotrauma, Sinus Barotrauma, and Others), By Drug Type (Decongestants, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Antibiotics, and Others), By Route of Administration (Oral and Parenteral), and By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global barotrauma market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing incidences of the condition worldwide. Barotrauma is the tissue damage caused by sudden changes in pressure between the surrounding environment and the body cavity, such as the sinuses, mediastinum, tympanic cavity, and others. The management or treatment of barotrauma consists of medication, mechanical support, and surgery in severe cases. Although medicines have shown substantial success in managing and treating barotrauma, there are no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment.

The barotrauma market experienced substantial growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be attributed to the number of patients with COVID-19 infection who received invasive mechanical ventilation.

• For instance, in 2019, NYU Langone Hospitals conducted a study that revealed that 15.0% of 601 patients who received IMV due to COVID-19 infection experienced barotrauma.

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According to data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in 2021, the number of ENT specialists (otolaryngologists, full-time equivalent (FTE)) in Australia, was recorded to be 540 in 2019 and 533 in 2021. Furthermore, with 171 otolaryngologists, the state of New South Wales in Australia had the highest number of ENT specialists in 2021.

Barotrauma Market Driver

Increasing Incidence of Barotrauma May Propel Market Growth

Activities such as scuba diving, skydiving, and other sports involving rapid changes in altitude are becoming increasingly popular. As the divers descend into water or air, the lack of pressure equalization in tissue and the gas space, such as in sinus and the Eustachian tubes leads to barotrauma. This trend is contributing to the growing incidence of barotrauma.

• For instance, according to data published by NCBI in June 2023, in the U.S., there are approximately 5.0 million certified scuba divers, out of which 500 to 1000 nonfatal injuries occur, such as barotrauma, hypothermia, arterial gas embolism, and others.

Barotrauma Market Restraint

Limited Drug Development and Availability May Hinder Market Growth

Lack of comprehensive understanding of barotrauma and its preventive measures could hinder the development of targeted medication, as barotrauma stems from intricate physiological processes related to pressure changes. Therefore, a thorough comprehension of the body's pressure dynamics is essential to develop innovative treatments for this condition.

• For instance, according to an article published by NCBI in July 2023, improper assessment of ventilator parameters of patients with mechanical ventilation may cause pulmonary barotrauma, which may further progress into major complications such as pneumothorax.

Barotrauma Market Opportunity

Rising Awareness about Barotrauma May Present Market Expansion Opportunities

The rising awareness about barotrauma among frequent flyers, and divers, there will be great demand for products to prevent barotrauma, such as nasal sprays and decongestants. Hence, the market expansion is an opportunity.

• For instance, in October 2023, The San Diego Center of Excellence in Diving and the Divers Alert Network organized an international workshop in San Diego to present an in-depth analysis of the current understanding of barotrauma and swimming-induced immersion pulmonary edema.

Segmentation

Key Insights

• Prevalence of Key Diseases, By Key Countries/Region, 2023
• New Product Launches, By Key Players
• Pipeline Analysis, By Key Players
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market 

Analysis by Type

In terms of type, the market is categorized into ear barotrauma, pulmonary barotrauma, mask barotrauma, sinus barotrauma, and others.

The ear barotrauma segment is anticipated to hold a substantial market share. It is commonly observed in cases of scuba diving and sky diving. Additionally, individuals traveling by air are more exposed to experiencing middle ear barotrauma. Hence, all these activities contribute to the rising cases of ear barotrauma worldwide, leading to the growth of the market.

• For instance, in August 2023, according to an article published by NCBI, the range of incidence and prevalence of middle ear barotrauma is between 4.1 to 82.0%

Analysis by Drug Type

In terms of drug class, the market is segmented into decongestants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and others.

The decongestants segment held a moderate market share. The segmental growth can be attributed to the preference of decongestants for the treatment of eye, ear, or nose barotrauma due to their user-friendly application and rapid action.

• For instance, according to a research article published by SAGE Publications in February 2022, topical decongestants showed 94.1% results in cases of acute barosinusitis compared to other medical management options.

Analysis by Route of Administration

In terms of the route of administration, the market is subdivided into parenteral and oral.

The physicians commonly prescribe decongestants, such as those used to relieve sinus and ear congestion, for the treatment of barotrauma. These decongestants are commonly seen in the form of drops or sprays. Hence, the barotrauma market is driven by the parenteral segment.

• For instance, in March 2024, the U.S. FDA approved Optinose Pharmaceutical Company's first nasal spray, XHANCE, a decongestants, for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Analysis by Distribution channel

In terms of distribution channel, the market is divided into hospital pharmacies, drug stores & retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies.

The hospital pharmacies segment is expected to grow due to an increase in barotrauma cases among patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in hospitals, leading to a higher demand for medications supplied by hospital pharmacies.

• For instance, an article published by NCBI in July 2023 stated that a cohort study of 5,183 patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours across 20 countries revealed that 2.9% of patients experienced barotrauma due to mechanical ventilation.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The North America barotrauma market is expected to record a significant market share. This can be attributed to the increasing participation in adventurous activities such as skydiving and scuba diving, which is expected to results in barotrauma. Hence, the demand for treatment in the region is increasing.

• For instance, in June 2021, according to an article published by the U.S. Parachute Association, about 19.0% of skydivers experienced middle ear barotrauma after descent.

In Europe, the increasing air travels are set to drive the growth of the market, as ear and nose barotrauma are commonly seen in pilots, aircraft crews, and passengers. This factor increases the demand for the medication for the management of barotrauma such as decongestants or steroid sprays.

• For instance, according to Infosalus, a health information portal by Europa Press, in August 2019, about 54.0% of individuals experienced ear barotrauma, 21.0% of which was due to air traveling and 33.0% due to swimming.

In the Middle East, the increasing awareness of the benefits of decongestants in the management of sinus barotrauma, and ear barotrauma, is anticipated to contribute to the growth of the market.

• For instance, in November 2022, an article published by Cureus, Inc. assessed the prevalence of nasal decongestant use. It revealed that nasal decongestant use was about 45.1% in Saudi Arabia.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the following key industry players offering medications for the management and treatment of barotrauma.

• Bayer AG (Germany)
• GSK plc (U.K.)
• Nutra Respiro (India)
• Cipla Health Ltd. (India)
• Centaur Pharmaceuticals (India)
• Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (U.S.)
• Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (U.S.)
• Mallinckrodt (U.K.)
• Jabs Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India)

Key Industry Developments

• In August 2020, according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, Dupilumab, a biologic that has been approved, may have a potential future role in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, which is known to cause recurrent barotrauma.
• In March 2024, the first nasal spray developed by Optinose Pharmaceutical Company, XHANCE, received approval from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. It has been noted that paranasal sinus barotrauma is a potential complication associated with chronic rhinosinusitis.