More than once I have been asked by a patient if it was possible to develop a diaphragmatic hernia.
The answer is that it is possible.
A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when at least one of the abdominal organs increases in size, pushing on the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. This condition is sometimes congenital.
When this happens, it is called a congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
However, this condition can also be acquired and this typically occurs in cases of injuries resulting from an accident or surgery. In this case, the hernia is defined as acquired diaphragmatic hernia.
Symptoms can vary depending on the size of the hernia, the cause, and the organs involved, and can include:
• difficult breathing
• rapid breathing
• rapid heartbeat
• bluish skin
• bowel sounds in the chest
Both an acquired and a congenital condition require rapid and timely surgery to remove the abdominal organs from the chest cavity and repair the diaphragm.
Valentina Carlile - Osteopath expert in Osteopathy applied to voice and speech disorders since 2002. For information and reservations visit the page Contacts