Subcutaneous emphysema, air under the skin: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Subcutaneous emphysema; Crepitus; Subcutaneous air; Tissue emphysema; Surgical emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema is a disorder, in which air or gas is trapped in the tissues under the skin. It can occur in any part of the body, but most often seen on the neck, chest and abdomen. Subcutaneous emphysema can be caused by various factors., including injury, infection and medical procedures, and can present with a wide range of symptoms.. Subcutaneous emphysema can often be seen as a smooth protrusion of the skin.. When a healthcare worker palpates (palpates) skin, it produces an unusual crackling sensation (crepitus), when gas is forced through tissue.

What is subcutaneous emphysema?

Subcutaneous emphysema is a disease, which occurs, when air or gas is trapped in the tissues under the skin. It may cause swelling, pain and crackling sensation when the affected area is touched. Air or gas can come from various sources, including injuries, medical procedures or infections.

Causes of subcutaneous emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare disorder. When it arises, possible causes include:

• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax), often occurring with rib fractures
• Fracture of the facial bone
• Rupture or tear in the airways
• Tearing or tearing of the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract

Subcutaneous emphysema can also be caused by:

• blunt trauma.
• Explosive injuries.
• Inhaling cocaine.
• Corrosive or chemical burns of the esophagus or respiratory tract.
• diving injuries.
• severe vomiting (Boerhaave's syndrome).
• Penetrating injuries, such as gunshot or stab wounds.
• Pertussis (pertussis).
• Certain medical procedures, in which a tube is inserted into the body. These include endoscopy (tube into the esophagus and stomach through the mouth), central venous line (thin catheter into a vein, close to heart), endotracheal intubation (tube down the throat and trachea through the mouth or nose) and bronchoscopy. (tube into the bronchi through the mouth).

Air can also be found between the layers of skin on the arms and legs or torso after certain infections., including gas gangrene , or after scuba diving. (Scuba divers, asthma sufferers, this problem happens more often, than other scuba divers.)

Symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema

Symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema may vary depending on the underlying cause and the location of the affected tissues.. Nonetheless, some common symptoms include:

• Edema. The affected area may be swollen or swollen, it may feel hard or tense to the touch.
• Pain. The affected area may be painful or sensitive to touch.
• Crackling sensation – when the affected area is touched or moved, a crackling or popping sensation may be felt. Is it caused by air or gas, trapped in tissue.
• Labored breathing. In some cases, subcutaneous emphysema can cause breathing difficulties, if air or gas affects the lungs or airways.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you experience any symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema, it is important to see a doctor immediately. It's vital, if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain or other severe symptoms. Subcutaneous emphysema can be a serious condition, and timely medical attention is needed to prevent complications.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

If you see a healthcare professional with symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema, he may ask you a series of questions, to help determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment. Some questions, which they can ask, include:

• What symptoms are you experiencing??
• When symptoms first appeared?
• Have you had a recent injury or medical procedure?
• Have you had any recent infections or illnesses?
• Have you noticed any changes in breathing or chest pain?

Diagnosis of subcutaneous emphysema

To diagnose subcutaneous emphysema, a healthcare professional usually performs a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as x-rays or computed tomography. These tests can help determine the location and volume of air or gas., trapped in tissue.

Treatment of subcutaneous emphysema

Treatment for subcutaneous emphysema will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.. In some cases, subcutaneous emphysema may go away on its own with time., especially if it's a minor condition, caused by minor trauma. In other cases, more intensive treatment may be required.. Some common treatments for subcutaneous emphysema include:

• Observation. In some cases, a healthcare professional may simply monitor the condition., to see, will it go away on its own. This is especially true, if subcutaneous emphysema is minor and does not cause severe symptoms.
• Kislorodnaya therapy. If subcutaneous emphysema affects the lungs or airways, oxygen therapy may be required, to help the patient breathe easier.
• Surgery. In more severe cases of subcutaneous emphysema, surgery may be required to remove entrapped air or gas. This is especially true, if subcutaneous emphysema is caused by a puncture wound or a medical procedure.
• Antibiotics. If subcutaneous emphysema is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be needed to treat an underlying bacterial or viral infection.

Home treatment for subcutaneous emphysema

If you suffer from subcutaneous emphysema, you can take some steps at home, to deal with this disease. These include:

• Recreation. Resting on the affected area can help reduce swelling and discomfort..
• Applying heat or cold. Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation..
• Taking pain. OTC painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can relieve pain and discomfort.
• Avoiding Action, that exacerbate the condition. If your subcutaneous emphysema is caused by trauma, avoidance, that exacerbate the condition, may help prevent further damage.

Prevention of subcutaneous emphysema

The best way to prevent subcutaneous emphysema is to avoid activities, which increases the risk of injury or injury. This may include wearing protective gear while playing sports or participating in other high-risk activities., such as using power tools or driving a motorcycle. It is also important to observe proper safety measures during medical procedures., such as intubation or surgery, to prevent puncture wounds or other injuries, which can lead to subcutaneous emphysema.

In conclusion, subcutaneous emphysema is a disease, in which air or gas is trapped in the tissues under the skin. This can be caused by various factors, including trauma, infection and medical procedures, and can present with a wide range of symptoms.. If you experience any symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition and may include monitoring, oksigenoterapiю, surgery or antibiotics.

Home treatments can also be helpful in treating symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema.. Finally, The best way to prevent subcutaneous emphysema is to avoid activities, which increases the risk of injury or injury, and observe proper safety measures during medical procedures.

Used sources and literature

Byyny RL, Shockley LW. Scuba diving and dysbarism. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 135.

Cheng G-S, Varghese TK, Park DR. Pneumomediastinum and mediastinitis. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Serious JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 84.

Kosowsky JM, Kimberly HH. Pleural disease. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 67.

US King. Thoracic trauma. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 38.