Introduction
Many different diseases can occur on the diaphragm. These can be harmless symptoms, such as side stings. However, there are also serious diseases, such as diaphragmatic perforation or diaphragmatic inflammation. 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 each disease.
Anatomy of the diaphragm
The diaphragm, which in medical terminology is called the diaphragm, is a large muscle that separates the thoracic 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.
When we breathe in peace, the diaphragm takes over the complete breathing work. If the diaphragm tenses up, inhalation is supported. The diaphragm consists of three muscular parts: The sternum, the lumbar part and the rib part.
Nerves and blood vessels run through the diaphragm, as well as three important structures. These three structures are the main artery (aorta), which runs from the heart to the abdominal cavity and supplies the organs with blood. The antagonist of the aorta, the main vein (vena cava), which transports the blood back to the heart, also passes through the diaphragm.
In addition to these two large vessels, the third important structure is the esophagus, which passes through the diaphragm and flows into the stomach, which lies below the diaphragm. Above the diaphragm are the two lungs and on the left side the heart. On the right side below the diaphragm the liver is nestled against the diaphragm, while on the left side the stomach and spleen are located.
Diseases of the diaphragm
A diaphragmatic hernia (diaphragmatic hernia) is a weak point in the diaphragm, which is usually located in the area of the points of passage (see above). In most cases a diaphragmatic hernia is located in the area of the passage of the esophagus. Due to the weak point, organs from the abdominal cavity, especially intestinal loops, can then slide upwards into the thorax.
A diaphragmatic hernia can be congenital or acquired in the course of life. Diaphragmatic inflammation is a very rare disease, usually accompanied by a diaphragmatic elevation, pain and breathing problems. Inflammation of the diaphragm alone is relatively rare.
It is usually caused by inflammation of the ribcage or peritoneum, which spreads to the diaphragm. If an infection is the cause of the diaphragmatic inflammation, so-called trichinae are usually responsible. These are nematodes that are transmitted by rodents or the consumption of raw pork and can then spread from the intestine to the diaphragm and cause an inflammation.
When the diaphragm is elevated, the diaphragm protrudes upwards into the chest cavity. The cause of a unilateral diaphragmatic elevation is usually an enlargement of an organ in the abdominal cavity, for example the liver or spleen, which then pushes the diaphragm upwards. A bilateral diaphragmatic hypertension can occur during pregnancy or when the intestine becomes enlarged and flatulent.
