What can be done for a paralyzed diaphragm?

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By paralyzed, are you speaking from a neurological condition or atrophy of the diaphragm? If he later, releasing restrictions in the diaphragm and working with a breathing pattern specialist will help tremendously.

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Reply by Amys (0):
My uncle is having a tough time recovering from open heart surgery. A double bypass where they have to crack the chest. He has been becoming exhausted and has a lot of trouble breathing. The dr's are saying his diaphragm has colapsed as they are seeing something crinkled up. add a comment

Reply by Amys (0):
He is in his eighty's. add a comment

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Answer by Veetzy (376)

A paralyzed diaphragm can be treated by having a procedure called diaphragmatic plication. This procedure stretches the diaphragm. Stretching consequently flattens the diaphragm allowing the lung to expand more efficiently.

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Answer by jsmith (2067)

If the diaphragm is well and truly paralyzed, the only way to maintain life is placing the patient on a ventilator because they will be unable to respire. A paralyzed diaphragm is what ultimately causes death for many poisons/toxins/degenerative muscular diseases.

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posted by Anonymous
.... this is true only if both lungs are paralyzed. I have a frozen diaphragm on the left side. A "sniff" test shows (you can watch) that the diaphragm remains truly frozen and doesn't move). Of course, I'm also on oxygen 24/7 to supply enough for the other lung. add a comment

posted by Anonymous
I had a sniff test done and it also showed a frozen left diaphram.I didn't know but the sniff test is an old test and the only way to show a frozen diaphram.I still workout everyday but it is tough going.I'm a 48 yo male and in very good shape.Gooduckonyoneholsoashisroblem. add a comment

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Answer by champaign9497 (11977)

You need to talk to your doctor about that you will need medication that is given by perscription only to hopefully get a handle on that one. And they will also be able to tell you if there are exercises you can do to help it as well.

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Answer by dhuoda (1431)

Very often a paralyzed diaphragm will get better of its own accord over time, although it may take many months. It is caused usually by an irritated or a damaged nerve. There is an operation called "diaphragmatic plication" which can be helpful in some cases to improve the function of the lungs in breathing in and out.

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Answer by symphonyparis (493)

Surgery would be one way to fix this problem. I have not really heard about this issue before, just going off of the fact that it is "frozen", there are not a lot of options. If this is a concern, it needs to be discussed with a doctor, if there are still questions keep asking until it makes sense.

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Answer by champaign9497 (11977)

That is a question only your doctor can answer. The best thing you can do is call your doctor and make a appointment for a consultation they will be able to explain everything to you in detail and answer any questions you may have while you are there.

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Answer by mooserus (3)

I have a left frozen diaphragm and I was told by a lung specialist at Dartmouth Hitchcock in lebanon NH that it could be caused my trama during surgery and they have no idea how this happens ..

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posted by Anonymous
me, too. So far the only answer is oxygen 24/7 but there is a group of plastic surgeons who have been successful at repairing the phrenic nerve that has been damaged. That nerve controls breathing. add a comment

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Answer by Anonymous

Use keyword 'phrenic nerve' to google this surgical process.

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