Overview
The diaphragm occupies a central position in the human body. It separates the chest from the abdomen and thus the respiratory and abdominal organs. The diaphragm is like a plate consisting of muscles and tendons through which large blood vessels, nerves and the esophagus pass into the abdominal cavity.
It plays a central role in breathing. The diaphragm can be malpositioned for various reasons and can protrude into the thorax. This so-called diaphragmatic elevation can occur on one side or both sides and have various causes.
Causes
Usually the diaphragm protrudes into the chest area if there is a change in the organs in the chest or abdomen. This can be the case with a malformation of the lung or with pneumonia when breathing is restricted and the abdominal organs push the diaphragm upwards. Enlargement of the abdominal organs can also lead to a diaphragmatic elevation.
If the liver is enlarged due to various diseases such as hepatomegaly, congested liver, fatty liver, cysts or tumors, this leads to a right-sided diaphragmatic elevation. An enlarged spleen leads to an elevation on the left side. Large tumors of the other abdominal organs can also be a considerable space requirement and push the diaphragm towards the chest.
However, this can also be due to excessive air in the abdominal cavity (flatulence). The nerve that supplies the diaphragm (phrenic nerve) can be damaged, which also causes a diaphragmatic elevation. In addition, a malformation of the spinal column, scoliosis, can be the cause of a diaphragmatic elevation. Not an illness, but the natural state of pregnancy can also cause the diaphragm to protrude into the chest.
Symptoms
Due to the important role of the diaphragm in breathing, a diaphragmatic hypertension leads to a limitation of the breathing ability up to respiratory distress. There may be pain when breathing and a feeling of pressure in the region of the costal arch. In addition, permanent diaphragmatic hypertension can lead to painful diaphragmatic inflammation. Depending on the disease underlying the diaphragmatic hypertension, different accompanying symptoms occur.
