What term describes injury caused by pressure differences in closed spaces, particularly affecting the ears and sinuses during descent?

The term that describes injury caused by pressure differences in closed spaces, particularly affecting the ears and sinuses during descent, is known as descent barotrauma. This condition occurs when there is a rapid change in atmospheric pressure, such as during diving or ascending and descending in an aircraft. As a person descends, the pressure exerted on the body increases, while the air-filled spaces, like the middle ear and sinuses, may fail to equalize with this rising pressure. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and potential injury due to the inability of air to escape from these closed spaces, causing a pressure imbalance.

The other choices provided do not relate to injury from pressure changes. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, heat stroke is a severe condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and heat cramps involve painful muscle contractions typically associated with conditions of heat stress. These conditions pertain to different mechanisms than barotrauma, highlighting the unique aspects of pressure-related injuries.