An unusual sensation beneath the skin, often described as a crackling or popping feeling, can be unsettling. This article explains the medical term for this condition, its common causes, and what to do if you experience it.
The Medical Term for Air Under the Skin
The medical term for air trapped beneath the skin is subcutaneous emphysema. “Subcutaneous” refers to the layer of tissue directly beneath the skin, while “emphysema” denotes the presence of air or gas within tissues.
This sensation is often described as crepitus, a crackling or popping sound and feeling when the affected area is touched or pressed. It can feel similar to pressing on bubble wrap or crunching snow.
Common Causes
Air can become trapped under the skin through several mechanisms, often stemming from trauma or medical interventions. Direct trauma to the chest or neck is a frequent cause, such as a fractured rib that punctures a lung, allowing air to escape into the surrounding tissues. Penetrating injuries, like stab wounds or gunshot wounds, can also introduce air into the subcutaneous space.
Medical procedures are another common source of subcutaneous emphysema. Following surgeries involving the chest, neck, or abdomen, air can sometimes leak from surgical sites or airways into the tissues. Dental procedures, particularly those involving high-speed drills, can also occasionally force air into the facial tissues. Similarly, procedures like tracheostomies, where an opening is made in the windpipe, may lead to temporary air leakage.
Certain lung conditions can also result in air accumulating under the skin. A spontaneous pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, occurs when air leaks from the lung into the chest cavity and then potentially into the subcutaneous tissues. Severe asthma attacks or other respiratory illnesses that cause significant pressure changes within the lungs can also lead to air escaping into surrounding areas. In rare instances, gas-producing bacteria, often associated with severe infections like necrotizing fasciitis, can generate gas within the tissues, presenting as subcutaneous emphysema.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
The most recognizable sign of air under the skin is crepitus. When the skin over the affected area is gently pressed, a crackling or popping sensation can be felt, akin to popping small bubbles.
Visually, the affected area may appear swollen or puffy. The skin might look stretched or taut due to the trapped air expanding the tissue beneath. While the air itself may not cause pain, the underlying cause might lead to discomfort.
Depending on the source of the air, other symptoms may be present. For example, if the air originates from a lung issue, a person might experience shortness of breath or chest pain. These associated symptoms provide important clues about the condition’s origin.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Treatment Options
While air under the skin is often not immediately dangerous, its underlying cause can be serious. Therefore, seek medical evaluation if you notice signs of subcutaneous emphysema. A medical professional can identify the source and determine if a more serious condition, such as a collapsed lung or a significant infection, is present.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, where a doctor will feel for the characteristic crepitus. Imaging tests, such as chest X-rays or CT scans, are frequently used to pinpoint the exact location of the air leak and assess the extent of the problem. These tests help to identify conditions like a pneumothorax or other internal injuries.
Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause of the air leak rather than the air itself. In many minor cases, the air is reabsorbed by the body over time once the leak has sealed. For more significant air leaks, such as a collapsed lung, a chest tube may be inserted to drain the air and allow the lung to re-expand. Surgical repair might be necessary for persistent or large air leaks. If an infection is the cause, antibiotics will be prescribed, and supportive care, including pain management, is often provided to ensure comfort during recovery.