Pneumomediastinum Complicating Acute Asthma.

Abstract

PRESENTATION:

A 19 year old female with a history of asthma presented with an acute life-threatening asthma exacerbation.

DIAGNOSIS:

Atypical features, particularly a persistent oxygen requirement promted further investigation with a subsequent CT Thorax confirming pneumomediastinum.

TREATMENT:

Her case was managed conservatively as per our treatment proctocol for asthma.

DISCUSSION:

Pneumomediastinum can present during an acute asthma exacerbation. Although it is benign and spontaneous recovery is to be expected, due to the risk of respiratory comprimise and profound hypoxia a high level of clinical suspicion and close monitoring is advised.

• Authors: Margaret Gleeson, Tom McEnery, Sean Gaine
• Journal: QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians (QJM) (Nov 21 2023) ISSN: 1460-2393 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37988141 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Physicians. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: [email protected].