Air can enter the mediastinum Overview of Pleural and Mediastinal Disorders when
The small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) become stretched and torn
The esophagus rips or tears
The intestine tears, causing air to leak into the chest cavity
(See also Overview of Pleural and Mediastinal Disorders Overview of Pleural and Mediastinal Disorders The pleura is a thin, transparent, two-layered membrane that covers the lungs and also lines the inside of the chest wall. The layer that covers the lungs lies in close contact with the layer... read more .)
Most often, people have chest pain below the breastbone. The pain may be severe.
When doctors do a physical examination, they may hear a crunching or crackling noise when they listen to the chest through a stethoscope. A chest x-ray is done to confirm the diagnosis. Additional testing is needed to determine the cause of the pneumomediastinum.
Usually, treatment is not necessary. However, the problem that caused pneumomediastinum may require treatment.
