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Pneumomediastinum: Case report of a rare complication of acute severe asthma
Abstract
Background: Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are rare but real complications of acute severe asthma.
Case: We report a case of a 19 year old male student who presented with marked dyspnoea, rhinolalia, and massive swelling of the face, neck and trunk. A diagnosis of acute severe asthma complicated by subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum was made and the patient was managed conservatively using nebulized ipratromium bromide, inhaled salbutamol, parenteral steroid, oxygen and physiotherapy. He responded to treatment.
Conclusion: Pneumomediastinum and cutaneous emphysema as complications of bronchial asthma are rare. Fortunately, the treatment options are readily accessible and effective as shown by the case reported.
Case: We report a case of a 19 year old male student who presented with marked dyspnoea, rhinolalia, and massive swelling of the face, neck and trunk. A diagnosis of acute severe asthma complicated by subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum was made and the patient was managed conservatively using nebulized ipratromium bromide, inhaled salbutamol, parenteral steroid, oxygen and physiotherapy. He responded to treatment.
Conclusion: Pneumomediastinum and cutaneous emphysema as complications of bronchial asthma are rare. Fortunately, the treatment options are readily accessible and effective as shown by the case reported.
