Diaphragmatic Palsy, What Is It?
The diaphragm is an important muscle group that helps us breathe. Learn about its functions and disorders here!
Diaphragm is a large dome shaped muscle located in the chest area. It separates the thoracic cavity (the space between the ribs) from the abdominal cavity (the space between our organs). The diaphragm also plays a role in breathing by helping to push air into the lungs during inhalation and pull air out of the lungs during exhalation.
What is it?
In order to understand what diaphragmatic palsy is, we first need to understand how the diaphragm works. The diaphragm has two main functions: 1) to help move air into and out of the lungs; 2) to help control movement of food through the esophagus.
Where does it go?
The diaphragmatic palsies are caused by damage to the nerves that control the muscles of the diaphragm. This can happen when there is injury to the phrenic nerve (the nerve that controls the diaphragm), or when there is compression of the nerve as it travels through the chest wall.
What causes it?
The diaphragms are made up of two parts: the dome and the base. The dome is located at the top of the lungs and is responsible for moving air into and out of the lungs. The base is located below the dome and is responsible for moving the diaphragm down and back during breathing.
What are some symptoms?
A condition called diaphragmatic palsy occurs when the nerves that control the movement of the diaphragm become damaged. This can cause difficulty breathing and coughing as well as other symptoms.
What treatments exist?
There are several different treatment options available for people with diaphragmatic palsies. These include medications, surgery, and physical therapy. Medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Surgery can restore function by replacing the damaged nerve tissue. Physical therapy can improve strength and range of motion.