Asian Pac J Allergy
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Asian Pac J Allergy · Mar 2005
Asthmatic versus non-asthmatic spontaneous pneumomediastinum in children.
The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical spectrum and seek potential curable causes of spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) in children in order to minimize respiratory morbidity. Medical records from 1986 to 2003 were retrospectively reviewed at a tertiary pediatric facility in northern Taiwan. Sixteen cases of SPM were identified. ⋯ We conclude that in young teenagers, who suffer from cough, dyspnea, chest pain and associated discomfort of throat or neck, the diagnosis of SPM should be considered and chest radiography including posterior-anterior and lateral projections should be performed to verify the diagnosis. Because of the high prevalence of asthma related SPM, children of idiopathic SPM should undergo diagnostic pulmonary function tests after the acute episode, to establish whether the child has asthma. Targeted investigations of the underlying causes of SPM might decrease respiratory morbidity and avoid further complications.