Symptoms

The symptoms of diaphragmatic inflammation are usually very clear. There is a pain in the diaphragm when breathing, which can lead to shortness of breath. In addition, the patient feels an uncomfortable pressure on the costal arch.

This pressure is particularly strong when talking, laughing or coughing, as the diaphragm is subjected to particularly heavy strain during these activities. Fever and cough are often further symptoms. If the diaphragm inflammation was preceded by hiccups, this may indicate that the inflammation was caused by certain threadworms, the so-called trichinae: These are the symptoms of diaphragmatic inflammationBreathlessness is one of the most common and dangerous symptoms of diaphragmatic inflammation.

The inflammation can affect different areas of the diaphragm, for example the pain-sensitive side facing the lungs or the muscles themselves. In all cases, pain or limited muscle activity results in restricted breathing. The pain-related breathing impediment can be treated with painkillers. The weakened musculature, on the other hand, can persist for varying lengths of time and cause severe breathing problems, up to and including permanent damage to breathing.In case of respiratory distress, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as the clinical picture can deteriorate acutely and rapidly.

Diagnosis

If there is any suspicion of diaphragmatic inflammation, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If the doctor suspects a diaphragmatic inflammation because of the mostly clear symptoms, a physical examination of the patient follows. The thorax in particular is thoroughly examined, since often a disease in this area is the cause of the diaphragmatic inflammation.

The lungs are listened to in order to rule out possible pneumonia. To be able to confirm the suspicion, imaging procedures are often used and an X-ray examination is performed. A blood test to determine the inflammatory parameters in the blood is also part of the diagnostic procedure. This often allows the extent of the inflammation to be determined.

Therapy

Antibiotics are often used to treat diaphragmatic inflammation and have proven to be very effective. Since the inflammation usually occurs in combination with a very severe cough, a cough syrup can usually relieve the pain and lead to an improvement of the symptoms by relieving the diaphragm. In addition, the patient usually receives painkillers to prevent the relieving posture that is often caused by the pain. A lot of rest and avoiding sports activities are necessary for an improvement of the inflammation, so that the diaphragm is not stressed by heavy breathing. If an incorrect posture, e.g. due to stress, has been the trigger of the inflammation, relaxation therapy is recommended to prevent a renewed inflammation.