Mediastinal Emphysema

Mediastinal emphysema is the result of gas expanding into the tissues in the center of the chest. Symptoms include mild to moderate pain in the center of the chest. Often depicted as, a dull ache, or feeling of tightness. This discomfort becomes worse with deep inhalation and may radiate to the neck, back or shoulder. Administer oxygen by demand valve and transport to an Emergency Room. Recompression is not indicated but a complete dive history and physical must be preformed to rule out possible other dive maladies.

Signs and Symptoms of Mediastinal Emphysema
Shortness of Breath
Pain Under Strum
Difficulty Breathing
Faintness
Change in Voice