Definition
The diaphragm is a muscle-tendon plate that occupies a central position in the body and separates the respiratory and digestive organs, i.e. the chest and abdomen. There are various holes in the diaphragm that allow the large blood vessels and the esophagus to pass through into the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in breathing. Therefore, in case of an inflammation, the respiratory function of the human being is severely impaired, which in serious cases can lead to life-threatening situations. In addition, the diaphragm is also responsible for the abdominal press, which is used for defecation and the birth process.
Causes
A diaphragmatic inflammation can be caused by diseases of the upper body or it can occur as an independent disease. The inflammation can have infectious or mechanical causes. Among the possible pathogens that can cause diaphragmatic inflammation are trichinias.
These are threadworms that first settle in the small intestine, but then penetrate the muscle tissue of the diaphragm via the bloodstream. Trichinia can enter the human body through the consumption of raw pork. Diaphragmatic inflammation often occurs as a result of organic damage.
If the stomach is displaced, for example, gastric acid can leak out and cause severe irritation of the diaphragm. This can happen in the context of severe obesity, as the pressure on the diaphragm is then greatly increased. This can also lead to a diaphragmatic hernia, which in turn can cause irritation.
Chronic coughing can also lead to diaphragmatic inflammation. This can go so far that small cracks appear in the diaphragm, which then become inflamed. Likewise, permanent tension caused by stress or incorrect posture can lead to inflammation of the diaphragm.
In many cases, diaphragmatic inflammation does not occur as an independent disease of the diaphragm, but is an accompanying symptom of various other underlying diseases. For example, because of the anatomical proximity of the pleura and diaphragm, an inflammation of the ribcage can easily spread to the diaphragm. Likewise, a diaphragmatic elevation can lead to inflammation due to permanent irritation of the diaphragm.
This can be caused by severe obesity, tumors in the abdominal cavity or pathological enlargement of the liver or spleen. A pregnancy can also lead to diaphragmatic inflammation. Due to the additional space that the baby occupies in the abdomen, the other organs are displaced and have to move out of the way.
They also do this upwards and thus press on the diaphragm. Due to the constant pressure, the diaphragm can be irritated and then also inflamed. A lot of rest and lying down is then helpful to relieve the diaphragm.
Coughing can be both cause and symptom of diaphragmatic inflammation. Chronic coughing, which is often experienced by smokers, or a prolonged cold, can irritate the diaphragm and later become inflamed. If the diaphragm inflammation is due to other causes, such as pleurisy, it can also cause coughing and is one of the typical symptoms.
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