What is the recommended treatment for subcutaneous emphysema?

• A. Antibiotics only
• B. Observation only
• C. Immediate surgery
• D. Same as mediastinal emphysema

Answer: (D)

Subcutaneous emphysema is air that has leaked into the tissues from the lung or airways. The air itself isn’t the problem to treat with antibiotics or surgery; the goal is to find and fix the source of the leak and to support the patient until the air reabsorbs. The same approach is used for mediastinal emphysema: assess stability, identify any underlying cause such as a pneumothorax or airway injury, treat that cause, and provide supportive care. High-flow oxygen can help speed reabsorption of the free air, and intervention (like a chest tube) is reserved for cases with a significant pneumothorax or other complications. So, subcutaneous emphysema is managed by addressing the underlying leak and monitoring, just like mediastinal emphysema.