Pneumomediastinum

Pneumomediastinum is air within the mediastinum, usually from alveolar rupture (asthma/Valsalva/barotrauma) or esophageal/tracheal rupture (Boerhaave/intubation), presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, subcutaneous emphysema, and Hamman sign. Treatment: observe (spontaneous usually benign); treat cause (asthma exacerbation; antibiotics/surgery for esophageal rupture); analgesics; oxygen; monitor for pneumothorax/tension/mediastinitis; urgent CT/endoscopy if esophageal rupture suspected; ICU if severe.

Common Symptoms

Chest pain/dyspnea; subcutaneous emphysema; Hamman sign; by spontaneous/traumatic/ esophageal rupture

Causes and Pathogenesis

Alveolar rupture dissects air along bronchovascular bundles into mediastinum, or esophageal/tracheal leak.

Treatment

Observe (spontaneous); treat cause; monitor pneumothorax/mediastinitis; surgery if esophageal rupture

Preventive Measures

Treat asthma; avoid barotrauma/Valsalva.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology-Emergency/Thoracic-surgery/GI department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.