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Spontaneous orbital subcutaneous emphysema after sneezing
Wei-Chieh Chiu1, Ma Lih, Tien-Yi Huang
1Ophthalmology Department, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin-Kou 33305, Taiwan, ROC.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 25, 2008
Summary
Orbital subcutaneous emphysema, or air in soft tissue around the eye, is rare after sneezing. Awareness is crucial for emergency physicians to manage this non-traumatic condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Emergency Medicine
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Orbital subcutaneous emphysema is characterized by air in the soft tissues surrounding the eye.
- It typically results from facial bone trauma, dental or otolaryngeal procedures, or gas-producing infections.
Observation:
- This case report details an uncommon instance of orbital subcutaneous emphysema occurring after a forceful sneeze.
- The patient presented with symptoms related to air entering the orbital tissues.
Findings:
- Sneezing, a common physiological event, can precipitate orbital subcutaneous emphysema, a phenomenon rarely documented in medical literature.
- The condition, while not a true emergency, can cause significant patient distress.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering nontraumatic causes for orbital subcutaneous emphysema in emergency settings.
- Emphasizes the need for emergency department physicians to be aware of this unusual presentation and its potential complications.
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