A 10-year-old female presented with atraumatic bilateral mandibular swelling. Through imaging and exam she was found to have bilateral pneumoparotid. This is a rare cause of facial swelling that is primarily discussed in otolaryngology literature and relatively unknown in emergency medicine. The presentation can lead to infectious and allergic workups that are unnecessary for the patient. Benign in nature, pneumoparotid is easily diagnosed if an appropriate exam and imaging are completed. Ensuring adequate follow-up and prophylactic treatment with antibiotics are vital to preventing infection.
Keywords: crepitus; mandibular swelling; otolaryngology emergency; pediatric; pneumoparotid; subcutaneous air.
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