Subcutaneous emphysema

Alternative names:

crepitus; subcutaneous air; tissue emphysema

Home care:

Consult your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

(This symptom usually occurs late, after other severe symptoms would have already required attention by the health care provider.)

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting subcutaneous emphysema in detail may include:

• What other symptoms are also present?

Most of the conditions associated with subcutaneous emphysema are very severe and require hospitalization.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to note the disorder that caused subcutaneous emphysema in your personal medical record.