What is pneumomediastinum?

Pneumomediastinum
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How can you care for yourself when you have pneumomediastinum?

  • Get plenty of rest and sleep. You may feel weak and tired for a while, but your energy level will improve with time.
  • To relieve chest pain, especially when you cough, press a pillow against your chest.
  • Take pain medicines exactly as directed:
    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine.
  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • If you go home with a chest tube in place, follow your doctor's directions.
    • Do not adjust the tube in any way. This could break the seal or cause other problems.
    • Keep the tube dry.
  • If you have a bandage over where a chest tube was inserted, keep it clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions on bandage care.
  • Avoid any movements that make you strain your muscles. Try not to cough, laugh hard, or lift anything heavy.
  • Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

Pneumomediastinum: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think your may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have severe trouble breathing.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have severe chest pain.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or worse trouble breathing.
  • You have new or worse chest pain.
  • You have a fever.
  • You cough up blood.
  • You are bleeding through the bandage where the tube was put in.
  • Your chest tube comes out or is bent or blocked.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

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