Care That Prioritizes Restoring Breathing Function
Our multidisciplinary team provides the appropriate management of diaphragm paralysis after a comprehensive evaluation. With the help of advanced imaging and pulmonary assessment, a treatment plan is designed to improve breathing, alleviate symptoms, and maintain long-term respiratory health.
Comprehensive Diagnosis to Identify the Root Cause
Our experts are supported by advanced imaging, pulmonary function testing, and dynamic diaphragm assessment. These diagnostics help them to accurately confirm diaphragm weakness or paralysis and determine its root cause. Afterward, the treatment plan is curated based on the severity of the condition/symptoms, whether one or both sides of the diaphragm are affected, and the overall cardiopulmonary health of the patient.
Use of Advanced Minimally Invasive Techniques Based on Patient’s Condition
Our treatment programs involve conservative, non-invasive, and surgical approaches depending on the evaluation and patient’s condition. The program may include observation, ventilatory support, diaphragm plication using VATS procedures, and diaphragm pacing in selected individuals. Whenever possible, experts focus on improving lung expansion, lowering breathlessness, and preserving respiratory function.
Read Also: Best Doctor for VATS Lobectomy in Mumbai: Advanced Lung Cancer Surgery Guide
Diaphragm Paralysis Treatment at Asian Heart Institute
Diaphragm paralysis is also known as “paralyzed diaphragm” or “diaphragmatic paralysis” (medical term). It happens when one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the diaphragm become weak or not able to move as it should. As the diaphragm is the main breathing muscle, this condition can decrease lung capacity and make breathing more laborious, particularly during exertion, while lying flat, or during sleep.
Paralysis may be unilateral or bilateral depending on the cause. Around 70% of cases are idiopathic. Some of the known causes are multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, etc. In unilateral diaphragm paralysis, some individuals may experience few or no symptoms, particularly if there is no underlying heart or lung condition. In bilateral diaphragm paralysis, symptoms (such as severe shortness of breath, sleep-disordered breathing, fatigue, and reduced oxygen levels) are generally more prominent.
The multidisciplinary team at the Asian Heart Institute consists of thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, neurologists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, and rehabilitation specialists to offer complete care. Our experts use advanced diagnostic tools, such as chest imaging, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, pulmonary function testing, and phrenic nerve evaluation. This helps provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment planning.
Read Also: What Happens In Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Why Choose Us for Diaphragm Paralysis Treatment
Experts at the Asian Heart Institute use a patient-centered approach that integrates advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary expertise, and minimally invasive treatment techniques (if the individual meets the criteria). This helps our team deliver safe and effective care for diaphragm paralysis.
We first emphasize finding the root cause; then treatment is tailored to improve breathing function, reduce symptoms such as orthopnea and exertional breathlessness, and help restore quality of life.
How to Test for a Paralyzed Diaphragm?
The tests may include:
- Lung Function Tests, Including Some Tests Done Sitting and Lying Down
- Chest X-Ray
- Radiologic Fluoroscopy (Real-Time Viewing) With a Sniff Maneuver
- Ultrasound Imaging
- Maximum Inspiratory Mouth Pressures (Measure of Breathing Muscle Strength)
- Measure of Transdiaphragmatic Pressure (Measure of Diaphragm Strength)
- Phrenic Nerve Stimulation in the Neck
- Electromyography
- Arterial Blood Gas Test
- Computed Tomography Scanning of the Chest, Abdomen or Both
- MRI
Read Also: Fluid Keeps Coming Back in Your Chest? Understanding Recurrent Pleural Effusion
Treatment Options for Diaphragm Paralysis
The treatment is based on the overall health of the patient, the severity of symptoms, the duration of diaphragm paralysis, other conditions, and any underlying cause for the paralysis.
People with unilateral paralysis can recover without medical intervention if there is no underlying significant pulmonary or cardiac disease. The treatment for bilateral paralysis also depends on the overall health of the individual, but surgery may be the best option for those who continue to have a poor quality of life.
Treatment options include:
- Observation and Monitoring for mild or asymptomatic cases
- Treatment of the Underlying Cause whenever possible
- Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support such as CPAP or BiPAP, especially at night
- Temporary or Long-Term Mechanical Ventilation
- Diaphragm Plication
- Diaphragm or Phrenic Nerve Pacing in selected patients
- Respiratory Rehabilitation and Breathing Support Therapy
- Long-Term Pulmonary Monitoring
Read Also: Pulmonary Rehab for COPD: What You Need to Know
How to Prepare for the Diaphragm Paralysis Evaluation & Treatment
You can keep the following recommendations in mind:
- If you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty lying flat, disturbed sleep, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance, tell your team about them.
- Inform about all your medical and surgical history, such as any neck, chest, or neurological conditions; recent infections; trauma; or cardiac procedures.
- If you have any, bring prior imaging studies, pulmonary function test reports, or other test reports.
- Tell your team if you are currently taking any medications and supplements.
- Follow all the instructions if any imaging, nerve testing, or procedures are planned.
- Discuss all the treatment options (such as observation, ventilatory support, or surgery) with your specialist team. And make an informed decision.
- Follow preoperative instructions carefully if you are undergoing plication, pacing, or another intervention.
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits.
Patient Testimonial
“For many months, I was experiencing breathlessness and difficulty sleeping. I visited the Asian Heart Institute and the team there, which diagnosed the real issue that was diaphragm paralysis. I received a clear explanation of the condition and was guided through every step of treatment. I underwent VATS diaphragm surgery and am thankful for support and expertise that helped in my recovery and breathing comfort.” – Kaushik
FAQs
Q1. What causes paralysis of the diaphragm?
A: Diaphragm paralysis is a condition in which one or both sides of the diaphragm become weak or unable to move normally. Around 70% of cases are idiopathic. Known causes are multiple sclerosis, post-viral neuropathy, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, etc.
Q2. Does every patient with diaphragm paralysis need treatment?
A: No. The treatment depends primarily on the severity of the condition and how it affects the patient’s breathing. Unilateral diaphragm paralysis may have mild or no symptoms and only require observation and regular follow-up. However, bilateral paralysis may require surgery.
Q3. How do I know if my diaphragm is paralyzed?
A: Your doctor diagnoses diaphragm paralysis through the combination of chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, fluoroscopic sniff testing, ultrasound, CT or MRI imaging, and, in some cases, phrenic nerve studies, electromyography, or sleep assessment.
Q4. Can a paralyzed diaphragm be fixed?
A: Yes. Treatment options may include observation, treatment of the underlying cause, CPAP or BiPAP support, diaphragm plication, diaphragm pacing, respiratory rehabilitation, and mechanical ventilation in severe bilateral paralysis cases.
