Diaphragm; It is a structure located between the abdomen and lungs, separating these two spaces from each other and supporting respiratory movements with its muscle and tendon structure.
Various congenital or acquired problems may develop in the diaphragm. These problems begin with respiratory-related diseases, and symptoms and treatment methods may vary according to the progression and type of diaphragm disease.
What are Diaphragm Diseases?
Diaphragmatic diseases encompass more than one disease. These diseases can be listed as follows:
Abdominal Wall Height: The most common diaphragmatic disease develops when the diaphragm is higher than usual. In this disease, the impaired diaphragm position pressures the chest cavity triggering problems such as shortness of breath. Surgical intervention can reduce the peritoneum's height to an average level. In operation, open or closed intervention methods can be preferred according to the disease's health status, age, and progression. Thus, it is possible to lower the diaphragm muscle and fix it in its original position. It effectively improves symptoms such as shortness of breath and getting sufficient air into the lungs.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: This develops due to a structural problem in the diaphragm for various reasons before birth, causing the organs of the digestive system to enter the chest cavity. In this case, these organs suppress the lungs and cannot absorb enough oxygen.
Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: Damages in the diaphragm due to environmental factors such as gunshots, accidents, and knives cause the digestive organs to slide into the chest cavity. These organs put pressure on the lungs, leading to respiratory problems.
Gastric Hernia: An opening on the diaphragm connects the esophagus to the abdominal cavity, and a part of the stomach slides through this opening and advances into the chest cavity. This condition is called a gastric hernia.
Treatment of diaphragmatic hernia is a surgical operation. During the procedure, the organs that slide into the chest cavity are replaced in their usual locations. Holes and tears in the diaphragm are closed with various patching and suturing methods. Thus, the patient's hernia-related complaints improve, such as shortness of breath, respiratory failure, and heart problems.
Diaphragm Tumor: Diaphragm tumor is a rare disease with benign characteristics. Although it is a benign tumor, it can metastasize to the lung and liver and become malignant.
Diaphragm Paralysis: The phrenic nerve that enables diaphragmatic movements is affected by injuries and disorders that cause defective diaphragm movement. Paralysis may develop on one side or all of the diaphragm affected by the nerve. As a result, respiratory defects occur.
Symptoms of Diaphragm Diseases
Diaphragmatic diseases can develop in quite different ways; there are various symptoms in each condition and patient. The type of problem and the progression of the disease can cause multiple symptoms in the patient, but the most common symptoms are:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia; prevents lung development and causes symptoms such as respiratory distress.
- Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia; Presents with difficulty breathing, blue-colored skin, and frequent heartbeat.
- Gastric hernia; It causes complaints such as heartburn, bitter taste in the mouth, pain during swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation./li>
- Diaphragmatic tumors; develop with difficulty breathing and breathing, pain in the chest and shoulders.
- Diaphragm paralysis; It causes shortness of breath while lying on your back and resting.
Diagnostic Methods in Diaphragm Diseases
Diaphragm diseases occur by defects involving different regions. For this, We must precisely determine the application of correct diagnostic methods and the cause of the main problem. Diagnostic techniques in diaphragm diseases are as follows:
- Chest X-ray: It helps to visualize the heart, lungs, blood vessels, bones, and airways in the spine and chest area. It is essential in detecting fractures, pneumonia, and other regional problems.
- Ultrasound: It is effective in detecting irregularities and abnormalities in diaphragm function. It is suitable for babies in case of a diaphragmatic hernia caused at birth. It is also a distinctive method for diaphragmatic paralysis.
- CT (Computed Tomography): It shows detailed imaging and scanning of organs, tissues, vessels, and structures in the chest cavity with the help of special x-ray light.
- Arterial Blood Gas: This method, which controls the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, also helps to determine the blood acidity rate.
- Phrenic Nerve Test: This test, which measures the speed and level of sending the received stimuli by the patient's nerves, is generally preferred if there is a suspicion of diaphragm paralysis.
- EMG (Electromyography): EMG test, which measures the potential in muscle fibers stimulated by electrical impulses, is another method used in suspected paralysis.
- Pulmonary Function Tests: We use pulmonary function tests if the patient has a respiratory function problem caused by the diaphragm.
In diaphragm diseases, the form of the disease, the general health of the patient, the patient's history, and many other factors affect the treatment process. However, the treatment process is also more successful in patients who are detected and diagnosed on time. For this reason, we recommend consulting a specialist physician without wasting time in case of any finding of diaphragmatic diseases.