Tracheotomy for Subcutaneous Emphysema and Pneumomediastinum Complicating Asthma

A 14-year-old steroid-dependent chronic asthmatic patient developed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Because of rapid progression of the extravasating air and deterioration of the patient's condition, tracheotomy was performed with prompt relief of her dyspnea; she has had little asthma since, but did have a slight recurrence of her subcutaneous emphysema ten months later.