Spontaneous orbital subcutaneous emphysema after sneezing.

Orbital subcutaneous emphysema develops when air enters the surrounding soft tissue. This occurs as a result facial bone trauma, iatrogenic dental and otolaryngeal procedures, and gas-producing infectious microorganisms. Case reports regarding this phenomenon after sneezing are very uncommon. Although orbital subcutaneous emphysema is not a true emergency, it can be distressful to patients. This case serves to bring awareness to emergency department physicians regarding the possibility of a nontraumatic orbital subcutaneous emphysema and its related complications.