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Traumatic subcutaneous emphysema of the face: the hazard of holding a sneeze
Strea J , Thibaut A , Pelzer D , Georgiopoulos A , Ziegels C , Kaschten B
Rev Med Liege 2022, 77(9),481-483Abstract : In this period of pandemic, protective measures and social distancing, sneezing might not be well received and trying to suppress a sneeze is tempting. It’s not always a good idea. We here report the case of a patient suffering from minor facial trauma. The next day after the accident, while trying to hold back a sneeze, the patient caused sudden swelling of the right cheek, associated with subcutaneous emphysema and disturbances in sensitivity, revealing an unrecognized fracture of the right maxillary sinus. Post-traumatic subcutaneous emphysema of the face, caused by suppressed sneezing, is rarely described.
