Crepitus in the lungs refers to the sound and sensation associated with subcutaneous emphysema, a condition in which air is trapped under the skin. It is characterized by the palpable or audible popping, crackling, grating, or crunching sensation that can occur when air is pushed through the soft tissue in the chest. Crepitus is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.
Crepitus can also occur in the joints in the body, like the knees, shoulders, elbows, and neck. It usually results when surfaces in a joint rub together from long-term inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis.
The causes of subcutaneous crepitus usually involve conditions that cause subcutaneous emphysema (i.e., air present in the tissues in the skin), like a pneumothorax ( i.e., collapsed lung) or a rupture or tear in the airway or esophagus (i.e., the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach).
Crepitus can also be heard in individuals who are on mechanical ventilation, a machine that helps with breathing; this would occur if air is present in the mediastinum (i.e., area of the chest that contains the heart) after escaping from the lungs. It can also sometimes be heard in individuals who have experienced chest trauma, like a penetrating wound or blunt trauma.
When air leaks out of the lungs, like with a collapsed lung, the air can collect in the subcutaneous tissues of the neck and chest, causing subcutaneous emphysema. Crepitus occurs when pressure is applied to the affected area, causing the trapped air to produce popping sounds or a crackling sound.
Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms
Few homoeopathic medicine can be thought of in the treatment of crepitus are:
sambucus, squilla, causticum, laurocerasus, natrum mur., etc.