Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2009 Sep;52(9):773-775. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2009.52.9.773.

A Case of Orbital Emphysema after Nose Blowing

• Kim DE
• Han SY
• Yang BW
• Jung SG

• KMID: 2277102
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2009.52.9.773

Abstract

Orbital emphysema is an abnormal condition in which air is present within the orbit. It commonly occurs during or immediately after facial, nasal, or orbital trauma; however, in a few cases, the orbital emphysema occurs spontaneously without the presence of recent trauma. Subsequently, air can enter the soft tissue of orbit as a result of nose blowing, coughing or sneezing. Although sequelae are generally self limiting and resolve spontaneously, they are important because of potential complications such as loss of vision due to pressure effect. The following is a case report of a patient who developed unilateral orbital emphysema after nose blowing.

Keyword

Nose; Emphysema

MeSH Terms

Cough
Emphysema
Humans
Nose
Orbit
Sneezing
Vision, Ocular