Diaphragmatic paralysis may develop due to various reasons. These causes may include traumatic injuries, nervous system disorders, infections, neuromuscular diseases and surgical interventions. Traumas, especially in the neck or chest area, can cause damage to the phrenic nerve, causing diaphragm paralysis. Once diagnosed, this condition is usually managed by respiratory therapists and specialist physicians.
What is diaphragm paralysis?
We can give the following answer to the question of how diaphragm paralysis occurs:
It is a condition that occurs as a result of damage to the muscle called diaphragm or the nerve that controls it. The diaphragm is a layer of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and controls the entry of air into the lungs during breathing. Normally, when the diaphragm muscle contracts, air is drawn into the lungs, and when it relaxes, air is expelled. In diaphragm paralysis, this normal muscle movement is disrupted. For the question of what causes diaphragm paralysis, diaphragm paralysis can generally occur for the following reasons:
- Traumatic injuries
- Neuromuscular diseases
- Some surgical interventions in the chest or neck area
- Phrenic nerve damage
- Some neurological diseases
- Infections affecting the brain and nervous system
What happens if the diaphragm is paralyzed?
Diaphragm paralysis is a condition in which the diaphragm stops working. The diaphragm is a large muscle that helps us breathe, so if there is diaphragm paralysis, breathing becomes difficult or impossible.
What are the symptoms of diaphragm paralysis?
Diaphragmatic paralysis usually presents with difficulty breathing, symptoms that become more pronounced with exertion or lying down. “How is diaphragmatic paralysis diagnosed?” It can be said that the diagnosis of diaphragmatic paralysis is usually made through physical examination and imaging tests performed by a doctor. Symptoms of diaphragm paralysis are as follows:
- difficulty breathing
- superficial breathing
- Shortness of breath
- chest pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Voice changes
- dizziness
- Sleeping disorders
How is diaphragm paralysis treated?
Treatment for diaphragmatic paralysis varies depending on the cause. Diaphragm paralysis that occurs after trauma or surgery usually heals on its own. However, diaphragm paralysis caused by other causes, such as disease or muscle disease, may be permanent. People with diaphragm paralysis may require ventilator support. The respirator performs the function of the diaphragm and makes breathing easier. We can give the following answers to the question of how to overcome diaphragm paralysis:
- Physiotheraphy
- respiratory therapy
- Respirators and ventilations
- lifestyle changes
- Surgical intervention
The answer to the question of whether diaphragm paralysis will go away varies from patient to patient. Diaphragmatic paralysis is a life-threatening condition, but it is important to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of diaphragmatic paralysis are noticed. Diaphragm paralysis that occurs after trauma or surgery usually heals on its own. Diaphragm paralysis caused by other causes, such as disease or muscle disease, may be permanent.
