Pressure on the body increases as a diver descends deeper into the water. The body may be unable to equalize the pressure between the water and the pressure inside a cavity, such as the middle ear, sinuses or lungs. An injury related to the increasing pressure is called squeeze, or a descent scuba injury.

Types of squeeze injuries include:

• Barotitis externa
• Barotitis media
• Sinus squeeze
• Eye squeeze
• Tooth squeeze

Pressure on the body decreases as a diver ascends to the surface. As the pressure decreases, trapped air expands. The expanding air can cause serious injury to a body cavity. An injury related to the decreasing pressure is called reverse squeeze, or an ascent scuba injury.

Types of reverse squeeze injuries include:

• Reverse squeeze
• Air embolism
• Decompression sickness
• Pneumothorax
• Pneumomediastinum