Hi all, for some years now i experience shortness of breath that happens when standing or walking. This has gotten worse overtime and i also get shortness of breath when lying on my back (i find it hard to even breathe at all) I have done an ECG and Chest X Ray and results came out fine. My doctor prescribed bronchodilators and i could breath well for the period of treatment. Anway after completing the drugs i still struggle to breath when standing/walking, its better when I sit down and much more better when i lie down (by my side). I'm suspecting a Paralyzed Diaphragm.. Does anyone know about this? Doctors in the house help please.
Which specialist have you seen?, It seems to be Cardiologist, Gastro and pulmonologist. I would start with the Gastro first. They can do scans etc to see inside of you. Have they don't an endoscope?..Check your gallbladder with the hida test. They can also check for a hernia, and also if you have suffered any injuries in that area in the past.
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/paralyzed-diaphragm.html
How is a paralyzed diaphragm diagnosed? Diagnosis of diaphragmatic paralysis usually begins with a physical exam and a review of the patient's medical history and symptoms. On examination, with the patient lying flat, the abdominal wall moves inward during inhalation (instead of the normal outward movement). This is called paradoxical motion.
Tests include:
Lung function tests, including some tests done sitting and lying down Chest X-ray Radiologic fluoroscopy (real-time viewing) with a sniff maneuver to show paradoxical motion Ultrasound imaging to look at diaphragm motion and changes in the muscle thickness Maximum inspiratory mouth pressures (measure of breathing muscle strength) Measure of transdiaphragmatic pressure (measure of diaphragm strength) Phrenic nerve stimulation in the neck by electric or magnetic stimulation Electromyography, a test that evaluates and records electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles Arterial blood gas test; an abnormal result is a late sign of severe impairment Computed tomography scanning of the chest, abdomen or both Magnetic resonance imaging to determine if there is an underlying condition involving the spinal column or nerve roots Ultrasound to see the activity of the diaphragm and to identify any unusual movement or lack of movement.
Ask doc to do this testing, some are very easy to do and can be done in office. If they find something wrong, ask to be sent on to a specialist in that area. There can be many causes for what you are feeling, but your main fear is the paralysis possibility. So I would rule that out first.
Thank you
I hope u were able to follow up with your doctor, :) ...