What is pneumomediastinum?
Pneumomediastinum is a condition where air gets trapped in the middle part of your chest, an area called the mediastinum. This area holds your heart, large blood vessels, windpipe, and esophagus. It’s not very common and can happen suddenly, sometimes without warning. While it can sound scary, it’s often mild and goes away with rest and care.
Causes of pneumomediastinum
Air can leak into the chest from other parts of the body. This can happen because of:
- Injury to the chest, like a fall or car accident
- A bad asthma attack
- Vomiting or coughing very hard
- Lung infections
- A tear in the esophagus (food pipe)
- Breathing in harmful substances (like drug inhalation)
Risk factors for pneumomediastinum
You’re more likely to get pneumomediastinum if you:
- Have asthma or lung disease
- Use drugs like cocaine or inhalants
- Have had recent chest trauma
- Are on a ventilator or had recent surgery near the chest or throat
- Do extreme physical activities (like scuba diving or weightlifting)
Symptoms of pneumomediastinum
The most common signs include:
- Chest pain, often sharp and in the center
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Feeling like your voice is different or crackly
- Swelling in the neck or chest
- A crunching sound when touching the chest or neck
Diagnosing pneumomediastinum
Doctors use several tools to check for air in the chest, such as:
- Listening to your chest with a stethoscope
- Chest X-rays to look for trapped air
- CT scans for a clearer picture
- Blood tests to check oxygen levels
Treatment of pneumomediastinum
Most cases get better on their own with rest. Treatment may include:
- Oxygen therapy to help your body absorb the extra air
- Pain medicine if needed
- Treating the cause, like asthma or infection
- Avoiding things that put pressure on your lungs (heavy lifting, straining)
- In rare cases, surgery may be needed if there’s a tear or severe damage