[Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema during asthmatic attacks in three patients].

Pneumomediastinum is defined as free air or other gases contained within the mediastinum. In children it is an uncommon clinical condition with good prognosis. It most frequently occurs with exacerbations of asthma but also may occur after cough, vomiting, excessive valsalva maneuver and after the first wheezing attack as well. The first-line treatment for pneumomediastinum is to relieve the inciting factor. Otherwise, no specific therapy is recommended for uncomplicated cases, three boys, with the ages of 4, 8 and 13, presented in the emergency department, each after a few days of shortness of breath and respiratory distress. Chest radiography revealed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema which had occured after severe asthmatic attacks. All of these patients have improved spontaneously with conservative treatment.