From the Research
Pneumomediastinum is most commonly caused by trauma to the chest or neck, which can lead to air leaking into the mediastinum, and this is supported by the study published in 2014 1. The causes of pneumomediastinum can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Trauma to the chest or neck, which can cause air to leak into the mediastinum, as seen in the study published in 2008 2
- Medical procedures, such as endoscopy or mechanical ventilation
- Forceful vomiting, also known as Boerhaave syndrome
- Excessive coughing, asthma exacerbations, and strenuous physical activities that increase intrathoracic pressure
- Certain recreational activities, such as scuba diving or smoking marijuana, which can lead to pressure changes or deep inhalation techniques
- Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, which can occur without an obvious trigger, particularly in young, thin males
- Underlying lung diseases, such as interstitial lung disease, COPD, or tuberculosis, which can increase the risk by weakening lung tissue
The fundamental mechanism of pneumomediastinum involves alveolar rupture, allowing air to dissect along bronchovascular sheaths into the mediastinum through a pressure gradient, as described in the study published in 2015 3. This condition typically presents with chest pain, difficulty breathing, and sometimes a characteristic crunching sound heard with heartbeats, known as Hamman's sign. Most cases of pneumomediastinum resolve spontaneously with rest and oxygen therapy, though severe cases may require intervention to address the underlying cause, as discussed in the study published in 2015 4.