title: Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema associated with asthma exacerbation.
abstract: The case of a nineteen year old male student who presented with marked dyspnoea, dysphagia and horseness of voice is presented. Chest examination revealed bilateral polyphonic rhonchi and the chest radiograph showed the presence of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. A diagnosis of acute severe asthma complicated with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum was made and the patient was managed conservatively on nebulized salbutamol, steroids, oxygen and chest physiotheraphy. He made a remarkable improvement and has remained in a stable clinical condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Egbagbe
authors.forename: S O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Elusoji
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011859:Radiography; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol