title: Air leak syndromes as complications of respiratory disease in infancy and childhood.
abstract: Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are potential complications of a variety of pediatric illnesses. A review by the authors confirms the reports of others that asthma is the primary medical cause of pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema and that a variety of inflammatory and obstructive lesions can be associated with extra-vasation of pulmonary air. Pneumothorax infrequently complicates asthma. Asthma-associated pneumomediastinum rarely requires vigorous therapeutic intervention and massive subcutaneous emphysema may necessitate tracheostomy. Pressurized delivery of sympathomimetic aerosols have been condemned by some as an unnecessary cause of iatrogenic air leak. The data of the authors indicate that this form of therapy rarely causes air leak syndromes. The pathophysiology of extravasation of pulmonary air is reviewed.
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000150:complications; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000150:complications; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013577:Syndrome