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Pneumomediastinum - Treatment

Alternative Names

Mediastinal emphysema

Treatment:

Often, no treatment is required as the air is gradually absorbed from the mediastinum. If pneumomediastinum is accompanied by pneumothorax, a chest tube may be placed. Breathing high concentrations of oxygen may allow the air in the mediastinum to be absorbed more quickly.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the disease or events that caused the pneumomediastinum.

Complications:

In rare cases, so much air may accumulate in the mediastinum that veins are compressed, leading to low blood pressure.

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.

  • Reviewed last on: 8/7/2006
  • David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.