What is pneumomediastinum?

pneumomediastinum is a health condition in which air escapes the lungs and trapped into the chest cavity. It usually occurs when one of the small air bags in the rupture of the lung releases a small amount of air into the interior of the chest called mediastinum. Depending on the amount of air that escapes, pneumomediastinum may cause significant chest pain and shortness of breath. Most cases disappear by themselves, but the doctor may decide manually suction air from the chest if the symptoms are serious.

Many different factors can lead to the accumulation of air in mediastin. Air bags in the lungs called alveoli can irritate and puncture due to excessive pressure from sneezing, cough or hard laughter. Respiratory infections and asthma can increase alveolar tear chances. In addition, direct trauma on the chest or neck can cause internal damage and lead to air leakage. Breathing in carcinogens of cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals and dust also contributes to pulmonary damage and rupture.

In most cases, pneumomediastinum is so mild that it does not cause physical symptoms or health complications. The doctor may not notice the accumulation of air only if the patient undergoes a test for unrelated condition. If symptoms are symptoms, they usually include chronic blunt pain under the chest, radiating pain over the chest and shoulders and slight respiratory problems. If the lungs are partially or fully collapsed, there is sharp pain, chest tightness and severe shortness of breath. An individual who is experiencing any unusual chest pain or breathing problems should see a doctor or go to an emergency room.

The physician can check pneumomediastinum and any basic problems by performing a number of diagnostic imaging tests. X -rays can confirm the presence of air in mediastin and computer tomography can detect physical lung abnormalities. The doctor may also decideto collect a sample of blood to explore the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The decision on treatment is made on the basis of the amount of escape air present and the severity of the patient's symptoms.

Many cases of pneumomediastinum do not require medical care. Small alveolar or esophageal tears are usually repaired within a few weeks and excess air is reabsorbed body tissue. If the pain and tightness of the chest causes discomfort, the doctor may decide to insert the needle and the chest tube to pull the air out of the mediastin. Surgery may be necessary if the lungs are fully collapsed to repair and strengthen the damaged tissue. After medical or surgical care, patients are recommended to stop smoking, engage in regular exercise and plan periodic controls to prevent the problems of lung problems.