- Frenzel maneuver
The Frenzel Maneuver is named after
Herman Frenzel (German HNOphysician andLuftwaffe commander).cite book |title=Bennett and Elliott's physiology and medicine of diving, 5th Rev ed. |last=Brubakk |first=A. O. |coauthors=T. S. Neuman |year=2003 |publisher=Saunders Ltd. |location=United States |isbn=0702025712 |pages=800 ] cite web |url=http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/MEbaro.html |title=Prevention of middle ear barotrauma |author=Kay, E |format=html |accessdate=2008-06-11 ] cite journal |author=Roydhouse, N |title=The squeeze, the ear and prevention. |journal=South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society journal |volume=8 |issue=1 |date=1978 |issn=0813-1988 |oclc=16986801 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/6169 |accessdate=2008-06-11 ] The maneuver was developed in 1938 and originally was taught todive bomber pilots during World War 2. The maneuver is used to equalize pressure in themiddle ear . Today, the maneuvuer is also performed byscuba divers and also passengers on airplanes as they descend.The Frenzel Maneuver is performed as follows:
* placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth, as far forward as possible
* the back of the tongue is gently moved upward (like when you start to swallow). Often a click will be heard
* Repeat as many times as necessary till equalization occurs.By performing this, the back third of the tongue and "Adams Apple" will elevate causing the opening of the nasal cavities and
eustachian tubes , thus allowing air into themiddle ear and equalizing it to ambient air pressure.This maneuver does not constrict the Eustachian tubes, nor does it over-pressurize the middle or
inner ear ; it also leaves the hands free. The maneuver can be done at any time during the respiratory cycle and it does not inhibit venous return [cite web |url=http://www.cvphysiology.com/Cardiac%20Function/CF016.htm |title=Venous Return - Hemodynamics |accessdate=2008-06-11 ] to the heart. Effort to perform the maneuver is minimal, and it can be repeated many times quickly.References
See also
*
Barotrauma
*Ear clearing
*valsalva manoeuvre
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