Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Subcutaneous emphysemais a rare condition in which air becomes trapped under the skin. While the condition often resolves on its own, sometimes it is an indication that you have a serious injury or illness requiring medical intervention.
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This article explains the symptoms and causes of subcutaneous emphysema. It will also discuss how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, and tips for coping with the condition.
Also Known AsSubcutaneous emphysema is also commonly referred to as:CrepitusCrepitus of the chestSubcutaneous airSurgical emphysemaTissue emphysema
Also Known As
Subcutaneous emphysema is also commonly referred to as:CrepitusCrepitus of the chestSubcutaneous airSurgical emphysemaTissue emphysema
Subcutaneous emphysema is also commonly referred to as:
Causes of Subcutaneous Emphysema
There are numerous underlying causes of subcutaneous emphysema, including:
Rarely, subcutaneous emphysema may occur for no known reason. This is referred to as spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema.
Subcutaneous emphysema is more common in men than in women.
Subcutaneous Emphysema Symptoms
Symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema can range from mild to severe. It’s also possible not to have any symptoms at all. More severe cases can lead to significant discomfort and serious complications.
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause and where in the body it is located. However, almost all people with subcutaneous emphysema will experience:
Crepitus may be the sign that leads medical professionals to diagnose subcutaneous emphysema.
Call your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice swelling in a certain area of your body or notice a crackling noise when you press on the swollen area.
Other symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema may include:
Possible Complications
Severe cases of subcutaneous emphysema can lead to serious, though rare, complications. such as:
If your doctor suspects you may have subcutaneous emphysema, they may order some of the following tests to aid in the diagnosis:
Edema from subcutaneous emphysema has been misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as allergic reactions.However, crepitus and the fact that lip swelling will be absent with subcutaneous emphysema can help medical professionals differentiate between these conditions.
Treatment of Subcutaneous Emphysema
Subcutaneous emphysema usually resolves in about 10 days without serious complications if the underlying cause is successfully treated. During this period, the air pocket is gradually reabsorbed into the body.
In minor cases of subcutaneous emphysema, you might not feel any discomfort. However, it’s important to control symptoms and any discomfort you may experience. This can be managed with:
Treatments for subcutaneous emphysema may include:
Severe cases of subcutaneous emphysema may require surgical treatments or the insertion of drains.
Despite potentially deadly complications from subcutaneous emphysema, the prognosis is good.
One study showed that among all grades of severity, the mean hospitalization period of patients with subcutaneous emphysema was 16 days.
Coping With Subcutaneous Emphysema
Sometimes swelling of the face or tissue necrosis can cause changes to your appearance that can be troubling. It is important to remember that these appearance changes will improve or completely resolve in time.
Depending on the underlying cause of your subcutaneous emphysema, you may be coping with other health challenges that can also be distressing. Reach out to family members, friends, and your medical team for help dealing with your illness’s emotional aspects.
Your medical team may be able to connect you with resources that can aid in coping and recovery.
Summary
Subcutaneous emphysema is a condition in which air becomes trapped under the subcutaneous layer of the skin. The main symptoms are edema and crepitus. There are many possible causes, including accidental injuries during surgery, injury during the placement of a breathing tube, and certain infections.
Some tests to diagnose the condition include X-rays, CT scans, or bronchoscopy. In most cases, subcutaneous emphysema will resolve on its own in around 10 days once the underlying cause is treated.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Subcutaneous emphysema.Aghajanzadeh M, Dehnadi A, Ebrahimi H, et al.Classification and management of subcutaneous emphysema: A 10-year experience.Indian J Surg. 2015;77(Suppl 2):673–677. doi:10.1007/s12262-013-0975-4Lodhia JV, Tenconi S.Postoperative subcutaneous emphysema: prevention and treatment.Shanghai Chest. 2021;5:17. doi:10.21037/shc.2020.03.08Sushma M, Vidyadhar T, Mohanraj R, Babu M.A review on gas gangrene and its management.PharmaTutor. 2014;2(5):65-74.Kumar H M, Mishra K, Jain A, Sharma N.Ginkgo leaf sign and subcutaneous emphysema.BMJ Case Rep. 2018;11(1):bcr2018227770. doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-227770Damanti S, Rosini F, Mari D, Marcucci M.Facial oedema is not always angioedema: A case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema during COPD exacerbation.Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2015;2(7). doi:10.12890/2015_000281Additional ReadingKukuruza K, Ayham Aboeed A.Subcutaneous emphysema. StatPearls. Updated May 2019.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Subcutaneous emphysema.Aghajanzadeh M, Dehnadi A, Ebrahimi H, et al.Classification and management of subcutaneous emphysema: A 10-year experience.Indian J Surg. 2015;77(Suppl 2):673–677. doi:10.1007/s12262-013-0975-4Lodhia JV, Tenconi S.Postoperative subcutaneous emphysema: prevention and treatment.Shanghai Chest. 2021;5:17. doi:10.21037/shc.2020.03.08Sushma M, Vidyadhar T, Mohanraj R, Babu M.A review on gas gangrene and its management.PharmaTutor. 2014;2(5):65-74.Kumar H M, Mishra K, Jain A, Sharma N.Ginkgo leaf sign and subcutaneous emphysema.BMJ Case Rep. 2018;11(1):bcr2018227770. doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-227770Damanti S, Rosini F, Mari D, Marcucci M.Facial oedema is not always angioedema: A case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema during COPD exacerbation.Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2015;2(7). doi:10.12890/2015_000281Additional ReadingKukuruza K, Ayham Aboeed A.Subcutaneous emphysema. StatPearls. Updated May 2019.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Subcutaneous emphysema.Aghajanzadeh M, Dehnadi A, Ebrahimi H, et al.Classification and management of subcutaneous emphysema: A 10-year experience.Indian J Surg. 2015;77(Suppl 2):673–677. doi:10.1007/s12262-013-0975-4Lodhia JV, Tenconi S.Postoperative subcutaneous emphysema: prevention and treatment.Shanghai Chest. 2021;5:17. doi:10.21037/shc.2020.03.08Sushma M, Vidyadhar T, Mohanraj R, Babu M.A review on gas gangrene and its management.PharmaTutor. 2014;2(5):65-74.Kumar H M, Mishra K, Jain A, Sharma N.Ginkgo leaf sign and subcutaneous emphysema.BMJ Case Rep. 2018;11(1):bcr2018227770. doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-227770Damanti S, Rosini F, Mari D, Marcucci M.Facial oedema is not always angioedema: A case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema during COPD exacerbation.Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2015;2(7). doi:10.12890/2015_000281
MedlinePlus.Subcutaneous emphysema.
Aghajanzadeh M, Dehnadi A, Ebrahimi H, et al.Classification and management of subcutaneous emphysema: A 10-year experience.Indian J Surg. 2015;77(Suppl 2):673–677. doi:10.1007/s12262-013-0975-4
Lodhia JV, Tenconi S.Postoperative subcutaneous emphysema: prevention and treatment.Shanghai Chest. 2021;5:17. doi:10.21037/shc.2020.03.08
Sushma M, Vidyadhar T, Mohanraj R, Babu M.A review on gas gangrene and its management.PharmaTutor. 2014;2(5):65-74.
Kumar H M, Mishra K, Jain A, Sharma N.Ginkgo leaf sign and subcutaneous emphysema.BMJ Case Rep. 2018;11(1):bcr2018227770. doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-227770
Damanti S, Rosini F, Mari D, Marcucci M.Facial oedema is not always angioedema: A case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema during COPD exacerbation.Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2015;2(7). doi:10.12890/2015_000281
Kukuruza K, Ayham Aboeed A.Subcutaneous emphysema. StatPearls. Updated May 2019.
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