Diseases of the diaphragm
introduction
Many different diseases can occur in the diaphragm. These can be harmless symptoms such as a stitch in the side. However, there are also diseases to be taken seriously, such as a ruptured diaphragm or inflammation of the diaphragm.
Below you will find a brief description of the anatomy of the diaphragm and an overview of the most important diseases of the diaphragm with a reference to our main articles on the respective disease.
Anatomy of the diaphragm
The diaphragm, which is called the diaphragm in medical terminology, is a large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. In appearance, the diaphragm resembles a plate that runs horizontally through our body. The most important function of the diaphragm is to support breathing. If we breathe in peace, the diaphragm takes over the entire work of breathing. When the diaphragm tightens, inhalation is supported. The diaphragm consists of three muscular parts: the sternum part, the lumbar part and the rib part. Nerves and blood vessels and three important structures run through the diaphragm. These three structures are the main artery (aorta), which draws from the heart into the abdominal cavity and supplies the organs with blood. Also the antagonist of the aorta, the main vein (Vena cava), which transports the blood back to the heart, passes through the diaphragm. In addition to these two large vessels, the third important structure is the esophagus, which runs through the diaphragm and flows into the stomach, which lies below the diaphragm. The two lungs are located above the diaphragm and the heart is on the left. The liver hugs right below the diaphragm, while the stomach and spleen are on the left.
Read more on the topic: Anatomy of the diaphragm
Diseases of the diaphragm
Diaphragmatic hernia / diaphragmatic hernia
In the case of a diaphragmatic hernia (Diaphragmatic hernia) is a weak point in the diaphragm, which is usually located in the area of the penetration points (see above). In most cases, there is a diaphragmatic hernia in the area of the passage through the esophagus. Through the weak point, organs from the abdomen, especially loops of the intestine, can slide up into the chest. A diaphragmatic hernia can be congenital or acquired during life.
Here you will find detailed information on the topic Diaphragmatic hernia.
Diaphragmitis
Diaphragmitis is a very rare disease that is usually associated with an elevated diaphragm, pain and difficulty breathing. Inflammation of the diaphragm on its own is relatively rare; it usually arises from an inflammation of the costal or peritoneum that extends to the diaphragm. If an infection triggers the diaphragm inflammation, so-called trichinae are usually responsible. These are roundworms that are transmitted by rodents or the consumption of raw pork and then spread from the intestines to the diaphragm and cause inflammation.
Here you will find detailed information on the topic Diaphragmitis
Elevated diaphragm
When the diaphragm is elevated, the diaphragm arches upwards into the chest cavity. The cause of a one-sided elevated diaphragm is usually the enlargement of an organ in the abdominal cavity, for example the liver or the spleen, which then pushes the diaphragm upwards. A bilateral elevation of the diaphragm can occur during pregnancy or if the intestine is enlarged / bloated.
Here you will find detailed information on the topic Elevated diaphragm.
Further discomfort on the diaphragm
Diaphragmatic pain
Diseases of the diaphragm are often asymptomatic, but depending on the severity, they can also be associated with pain, for example in the case of inflammation. Diseases of the chest and abdomen can also cause pain in the diaphragm if you put pressure on it. The respiratory dependency of the pain is typical of diaphragmatic pain. Because diaphragmatic contraction assists inhalation, deep breaths can increase diaphragm pain. The diaphragm is also stressed when coughing, so chronic coughing can cause pain in the diaphragm.
Here you will find detailed information on the topic Pain in the diaphragm.
Diaphragmatic spasm / hiccups
A brief diaphragmatic spasm occurs, for example, as part of a hiccup, which leads to irritation of the diaphragmatic nerve (Phrenic nerve) comes, which supplies the diaphragm. This causes the diaphragm to contract briefly again and again. With these very short-term spasms of the diaphragm, there is no need to worry if the hiccups go away on their own. If, however, a persistent diaphragmatic cramp occurs, it is potentially life-threatening. Persistent diaphragmatic work can, for example, in the context of tetanus (tetanus) occur.
Here you will find detailed information on the topic Diaphragmatic cramp and Hiccup.
Stitch
Everyone has probably experienced a stitch in their side. It usually arises during physical exertion and the associated faster breathing. The increased work of breathing exhausts the diaphragm, it is supplied with insufficient oxygen and lactate is produced. This can lead to cramping or stitch-like contraction of the diaphragm, which manifests itself as a stitch.
Here you will find detailed information on the topic Stitch.
