MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Subcutaneous emphysema

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Subcutaneous emphysema

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition	Considerations Common Causes Call your health care provider if

Illustrations

Skin layers

Alternative names Return to top

Crepitus; Subcutaneous air; Tissue emphysema

Definition Return to top

Subcutaneous emphysema is the inadvertent introduction of air into tissues under the skin covering the chest wall or neck. This can happen due to stabbing, gun shot wounds, other penetrations, or blunt trauma.

Considerations Return to top

Subcutaneous emphysema can often be seen as a smooth bulging of the skin. When a health care provider feels the skin (palpates), it produces an unusual crackling sensation as the gas is pushed through the tissue.

Common Causes Return to top

This is a rare condition. When it does occur, possible causes include:

Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Ruptured esophagus
Ruptured bronchial tube

Call your health care provider if Return to top

Most of the conditions associated with subcutaneous emphysema are very severe and require hospitalization. Medical staff would already be involved in most cases.

Update Date: 11/17/2003

Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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