Pneumomediastinum: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Pneumomediastinum | |||
| image = [[File:Subcutaneous_emphysema_chest_cropped.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Chest X-ray showing subcutaneous emphysema, which can be associated with pneumomediastinum | |||
| synonyms = Mediastinal emphysema | |||
| pronounce = <!-- Optional field for pronunciation --> | |||
| specialty = [[Pulmonology]], [[Emergency medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Chest pain]], [[shortness of breath]], [[neck pain]], [[cough]] | |||
| complications = [[Pneumothorax]], [[subcutaneous emphysema]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Trauma]], [[asthma]], [[vomiting]], [[esophageal rupture]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[asthma]], [[respiratory infections]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Chest X-ray]], [[CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Pneumothorax]], [[pericarditis]], [[myocardial infarction]] | |||
| treatment = [[Oxygen therapy]], [[analgesics]], [[rest]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain relievers]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:PneumoMediastinum2008.jpg|Pneumomediastinum|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Pneumomediastinum-003.jpg|Pneumomediastinum|thumb]] | |||
[[File:UOTW 67 - Ultrasound of the Week 1.webm|Pneumomediastinum|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Pneumomediastinum''' (PM) is a medical condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the [[mediastinum]], the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It is a rare condition that can occur due to a variety of causes, including trauma, disease, or spontaneously. | '''Pneumomediastinum''' (PM) is a medical condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the [[mediastinum]], the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It is a rare condition that can occur due to a variety of causes, including trauma, disease, or spontaneously. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The causes of pneumomediastinum can be broadly classified into two categories: spontaneous and secondary. | The causes of pneumomediastinum can be broadly classified into two categories: spontaneous and secondary. | ||
'''Spontaneous pneumomediastinum''' (SPM) occurs without any apparent cause or precipitating factor. It is often associated with activities that cause a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure, such as coughing, vomiting, childbirth, or weightlifting. | '''Spontaneous pneumomediastinum''' (SPM) occurs without any apparent cause or precipitating factor. It is often associated with activities that cause a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure, such as coughing, vomiting, childbirth, or weightlifting. | ||
'''Secondary pneumomediastinum''' occurs as a result of trauma or disease. This can include chest trauma, lung disease, or invasive procedures involving the chest or abdomen. | '''Secondary pneumomediastinum''' occurs as a result of trauma or disease. This can include chest trauma, lung disease, or invasive procedures involving the chest or abdomen. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of pneumomediastinum can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Other symptoms can include neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. | The symptoms of pneumomediastinum can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Other symptoms can include neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of pneumomediastinum is typically made through imaging studies. A [[chest X-ray]] is often the first test performed, and can show air in the mediastinum. A [[computed tomography]] (CT) scan of the chest can provide more detailed information and help to identify the cause of the pneumomediastinum. | The diagnosis of pneumomediastinum is typically made through imaging studies. A [[chest X-ray]] is often the first test performed, and can show air in the mediastinum. A [[computed tomography]] (CT) scan of the chest can provide more detailed information and help to identify the cause of the pneumomediastinum. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment of pneumomediastinum depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In many cases, no specific treatment is needed and the condition will resolve on its own. In more severe cases, treatment may include oxygen therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery. | The treatment of pneumomediastinum depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In many cases, no specific treatment is needed and the condition will resolve on its own. In more severe cases, treatment may include oxygen therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Mediastinum]] | * [[Mediastinum]] | ||
* [[Chest X-ray]] | * [[Chest X-ray]] | ||
* [[Computed tomography]] | * [[Computed tomography]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Thoracic surgery]] | [[Category:Thoracic surgery]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:45, 13 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Pneumomediastinum | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Mediastinal emphysema |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology, Emergency medicine |
| Symptoms | Chest pain, shortness of breath, neck pain, cough |
| Complications | Pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, asthma, vomiting, esophageal rupture |
| Risks | Smoking, asthma, respiratory infections |
| Diagnosis | Chest X-ray, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Pneumothorax, pericarditis, myocardial infarction |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Oxygen therapy, analgesics, rest |
| Medication | Pain relievers |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |



Pneumomediastinum (PM) is a medical condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It is a rare condition that can occur due to a variety of causes, including trauma, disease, or spontaneously.
Causes[edit]
The causes of pneumomediastinum can be broadly classified into two categories: spontaneous and secondary. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) occurs without any apparent cause or precipitating factor. It is often associated with activities that cause a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure, such as coughing, vomiting, childbirth, or weightlifting. Secondary pneumomediastinum occurs as a result of trauma or disease. This can include chest trauma, lung disease, or invasive procedures involving the chest or abdomen.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of pneumomediastinum can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Other symptoms can include neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of pneumomediastinum is typically made through imaging studies. A chest X-ray is often the first test performed, and can show air in the mediastinum. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest can provide more detailed information and help to identify the cause of the pneumomediastinum.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of pneumomediastinum depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In many cases, no specific treatment is needed and the condition will resolve on its own. In more severe cases, treatment may include oxygen therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.


