Symptoms

Symptoms of Disorders of the Diaphragm

Symptoms of diaphragm disorders vary depending on the type of disorder, but they can range from shortness of breath to dangerously low oxygen levels. Symptoms may include:

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH):
    • Underdeveloped lungs
    • Reduced number of alveoli (air sacs) required for normal breathing
    • Low oxygen levels
    • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Acquired diaphragmatic hernia (ADH):
    • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
    • Cyanosis (a bluish tinge to the skin, especially around the mouth, eyes and nails)
    • Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
    • Bowel sounds in the chest
    • Diminished breath sounds
    • Abdomen feels “empty”
  • Hiatal hernia: 
    • Heartburn
    • Chest pain
    • Burping
    • A bitter taste in the mouth
    • Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
    • Regurgitation (the return of partially digested food from the stomach to the mouth)
    • Feeling nauseated
    • Feeling full after a small amount of food
    • Abdominal pain
    • Abdominal bleeding/blood loss
    • Gastric torsion (twisting of the stomach, cutting off the blood supply)
  • Diaphragmatic tumor:
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Chest, shoulder or abdominal pain
    • Decreased breath sounds
    • Low oxygen levels
  • Paralysis of the diaphragm:
    • Shortness of breath, especially when you are:
      • Lying down
      • Walking
      • Immersed in water above the waist
    • Low oxygen levels