Subcutaneous emphysema

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Subcutaneous emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air gets into tissues under the skin covering the chest wall or neck. This can happen due to stabbing, gun shot wounds, other penetrations, or blunt trauma.

Subcutaneous emphysema can often be seen as a smooth bulging of the skin. When a health care provider feels (palpates) the skin, it produces an unusual crackling sensation as the gas is pushed through the tissue.

This is a rare condition. When it does occur, possible causes include:

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Ruptured esophagus
• Ruptured bronchial tube

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