Why diaphragm hurts

Treatment involves taking medications to control the pain and to treat the underlying condition. Possible associated conditions that may require treatment include infections, autoimmune disorders, and sickle cell disease.

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which transport air to and from the lungs. Bronchitis may be acute short-term or chronic long-term. Acute bronchitis typically develops from a cold and will go away on its own within a week or so. Cough medicine and pain relievers may ease symptoms until the infection clears up. Chronic bronchitis requires medical attention. Treatment options include inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications, and pulmonary rehabilitation to help the person breathe more easily.

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. The cause may be bacterial, viral, or fungal. Symptoms include:. Some cases of pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in young children, older adults, and those with other health problems. Treatment aims to heal the infection and prevent complications. Treatment options include antibiotics , cough medicine, and pain relief. Hospitalization may be necessary in some cases.

The outlook for people with diaphragm pain depends on the underlying cause of this symptom. Those who experience diaphragm pain from exercise, for example, will get relief once they rest.

People with a ruptured diaphragm may take much longer to recover though. Recovery will depend on the type of trauma and any other injuries that it caused. People with long-term conditions that cause diaphragm pain, such as chronic bronchitis and most hiatal hernias, can alleviate symptoms using medications, lifestyle changes, and other medical treatments. Physical therapy aims to help patients maintain, recover or improve physical ability that may be impaired due to a condition or injury.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Anyone can develop pneumonia, but certain groups of people…. Diaphragmatic endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows in the diaphragm. It can cause pain in the chest or upper abdomen. The condition…. Chemicals in the gallbladder or a nearby bile duct can solidify, forming a large stone or several small ones.

In this article, learn about removal…. Hernias occur when a weakness in the muscular wall of the abdomen allows organs and tissues to push through. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, elevating back into its original position due to its elastic nature as air exits the body.

It then rests in its normal dome-shaped position until another breath is taken. Diaphragm muscle pain can be a symptom of many different medical problems and is a common complication during surgical procedures. However, in many cases, pain in the diaphragm is unknown. The muscles of the diaphragm originate along the lumbar vertebra of the spine lower back area , the inferior border of the ribs at the 6th rib level and sternum breastbone.

An opening exists in the middle portion of the diaphragm to for structures such as the esophagus, the descending aorta, and the vena cava vein to pass through between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Nerves such as the phrenic and vagus nerves also pass through this opening. The diaphragm effectively makes up the floor of the thoracic cavity with its contractions as we inhale, drawing it down into the abdominal cavity, allowing the thoracic cavity to become deeper and larger as it draws air from the surrounding atmosphere.

The function of the diaphragm allows for several actions that are important for several expulsive acts. A person experiencing a severe, large hiatal hernia or a diseased gallbladder might need surgery to correct it.

If there is severe trauma to the diaphragm, surgery may also be needed to repair it. Place one hand on your abdomen and breathe deeply. Encouraging your diaphragm to expand and contract at its full potential should ease your discomfort.

Deep breathing may also produce a sense of calm, reduced stress and anxiety levels, and lower blood pressure. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and into your chest cavity. Common symptoms include…. Learn about abdominal abscess symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Diaphragmatic endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows in your diaphragm. Here are the…. Plenty of stories abound online providing advice for getting a defined or chiseled jawline.

Does chewing gum work? Learn more. Are left-handed people smarter? See what the research says about the answer to this controversial question. The hilum anchors the lung and is a passageway for critical vessels and nerves. Learn more about the hilum. Learn about how medical conditions…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Symptoms Causes Treatment See a doctor Overview The diaphragm is a mushroom-shaped muscle that sits beneath your lower-to-middle rib cage. Symptoms of diaphragm pain. Possible causes of diaphragm pain. Treating diaphragm pain.