Other complaints of the diaphragm
Diseases of the diaphragm are often asymptomatic, but can also be accompanied by pain depending on their severity, for example in the case of an inflammation. Diseases of the chest and abdomen can also cause pain in the diaphragm if they exert pressure on it. Typical for diaphragmatic pain is the respiratory dependence of the pain.
Since the contraction of the diaphragm supports the inhalation, deep breathing can increase the pain in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is also strained when coughing, so chronic coughing can trigger pain in the diaphragm. A short-term diaphragmatic spasm occurs, for example, in the context of hiccups, which cause irritation of the diaphragmatic nerve (N. phrenicus) that supplies the diaphragm.
This causes the diaphragm to contract briefly again and again. There is no cause for concern in these very short-term cramps of the diaphragm, provided the hiccups disappear by themselves. However, if a persistent diaphragmatic spasm occurs, it is potentially life-threatening.
A persistent diaphragmatic cramp can occur, for example, in the context of tetanus. Every person has probably experienced a side stitch at some time or another.It usually occurs during physical exertion and the resulting faster breathing. The diaphragm is exhausted by the increased work of breathing, it is supplied with insufficient oxygen and lactate is produced. This can cause the diaphragm to cramp up or contract in a stitch-like manner, which manifests itself as side stitches.
