They also have difficulty maintaining adequate gas exchange, as the lungs are not able to inhale and exhale outside air as efficiently. Patients with a paralyzed diaphragm experience weakness of the diaphragm and have reduced breathing capabilities or are unable to control their voluntary breathing. A paralyzed diaphragm is rarely caused by an injury to the diaphragm itself, but rather by an injury to the phrenic nerve or cervical spine. The diaphragm is controlled by the phrenic nerve, a nerve that is attached to the cervical spine, the area of the spinal cord found in your neck. When it relaxes, it enlarges, causing a decrease in lung size thus forcing air out (exhaling). When the diaphragm contracts, it becomes smaller, causing the lungs to expand in the chest cavity and allowing air to move into the lungs (inhaling). The diaphragm is important as it is the primary muscle that facilitates breathing. The diaphragm is a large muscle that sits below the lungs and heart. While there are several medical treatments options, surgery remains the most effective way to treat a paralyzed or weakened diaphragm. A weak or paralyzed diaphragm often goes misdiagnosed and left untreated, causing breathing issues that can worsen over time.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |