When Screams Turn Into Symptoms: Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in an Adolescent After Intense Vocalization at a Pop...

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare condition in adolescents, typically associated with underlying pulmonary disease or physical exertion. We report a unique case of a 17-year-old female who developed SPM following excessive shouting at a concert. The patient presented with acute substernal chest pain radiating to the neck, accompanied by dyspnea and bilateral crepitus in the cervical region. Physical examination revealed subcutaneous emphysema and a positive Hamman's sign. Chest radiography confirmed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, while computed tomography excluded underlying bullous disease. Management was conservative, including analgesia, oxygen therapy, and close monitoring. The patient showed complete resolution within 1 week and was advised to refrain from strenuous vocalization and air travel. This case highlights the need for awareness of SPM as a differential diagnosis in adolescents presenting with acute chest pain postexertional vocal activity. In addition, we discuss the potential implications of e-cigarette use in relation to barotrauma.