Diaphragm Pain: Is It Related to Pneumothorax?

Pain in the diaphragm area when lying down?

Hello, I have a history of pneumothorax (surgically treated in 2005).
In recent years, I occasionally experience back pain (no more than twice a year), but it resolves with rest and avoidance of strenuous activities.
However, last Saturday, I experienced a similar situation and chose to rest more.
Two days later, my condition improved during the day, but at night when lying down to sleep, I experience noticeable pain near the diaphragm area, regardless of whether I lie on my side or on my back.
I would like to know if this could be a symptom of pneumothorax or if it might indicate another condition (this issue has persisted for 5 days).
If I wish to get checked, which specialty would be most appropriate? Thank you, doctor, for your time in answering my questions.

Mr. Zheng, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/09

Dr. Shen Bochan reply Pulmonology

Hello, please follow up with a chest X-ray in the pulmonary medicine department, as there is a possibility of pneumothorax recurrence.

Reply Date: 2023/11/09

More Info

Diaphragm pain can indeed be concerning, especially for someone with a history of pneumothorax. Given your previous surgery in 2005, it’s understandable that you would be vigilant about any new symptoms that arise. Let’s explore the potential relationship between your diaphragm pain and your history of pneumothorax, as well as other possible causes and the appropriate medical specialties to consult.

Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, which can lead to lung collapse. Symptoms typically include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. While diaphragm pain is not a classic symptom of pneumothorax, it can occur due to referred pain from the lungs or irritation of the diaphragm itself. The diaphragm is a muscle that plays a crucial role in breathing, and any irritation or injury to it can lead to discomfort, particularly when lying down or during deep breaths.

Your description of experiencing pain near the diaphragm area when lying down could suggest several possibilities. One potential cause is muscular strain or tension, particularly if you've been engaging in activities that might stress the back or chest muscles. Additionally, conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause referred pain to the diaphragm area, especially when lying flat, as stomach acid can irritate the esophagus and diaphragm.

Another consideration is the possibility of pleuritic pain, which occurs when the pleura (the membranes surrounding the lungs) become inflamed. This can happen due to infections, inflammation, or even post-surgical changes. Given your history of pneumothorax, it’s essential to rule out any complications that might arise from previous lung issues.

If your symptoms have persisted for five days, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. The most appropriate specialists to consult would be a pulmonologist, who specializes in lung conditions, or a primary care physician who can assess your symptoms and potentially refer you to the right specialist. They may recommend imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to evaluate the status of your lungs and diaphragm.

In summary, while diaphragm pain can be related to a history of pneumothorax, it can also stem from various other causes, including muscular strain, GERD, or pleuritic pain. Given the persistence of your symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is recommended to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. It’s essential to address these symptoms promptly to ensure that any serious conditions are ruled out and to provide you with the necessary care for relief.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Causes, and Relation to Asthma

Hello, Dr. Hong. Based on my observations of my body, I don't think it's muscle pain because it feels very tight and painful, extending to my back, and it's quite uncomfortable. Sometimes I feel short of breath, dizzy, and as if I'm not getting enough oxygen. ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, pneumothorax refers to the partial rupture of a lung lobe, causing air to leak into the pleural cavity. It typically presents with sudden, severe pain followed by persistent shortness of breath that does not improve with rest. Small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own,...

Understanding Elevated Diaphragm: Causes and Symptoms Explained

Hello Doctor: In the past, whenever I had an X-ray, it was noted that my left diaphragm was significantly elevated. When I inquired about this with a non-thoracic specialist, I was told that if there were no abnormal findings, it was not a concern. However, in recent months, I ha...

Dr. Chen Junwei reply Pulmonology
Generally, the right diaphragm appears higher on a chest X-ray. If the left diaphragm is significantly elevated, it is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation to determine if it is related to your current symptoms.

Understanding Diaphragm Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I am a 36-year-old male, who does not smoke or drink, and I do not have hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. For the past year, I have been experiencing a dull pain near the xiphoid process, which lasts for a few seconds each ...

Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Pain near the xiphoid process, with no cardiac or gastrointestinal issues. A chest X-ray (both frontal and lateral views) is needed to check for any lung or chest wall problems, and an abdominal ultrasound should be performed to assess for liver or gallbladder issues. If there is...

Understanding Symptoms: Is It Pneumothorax or Costochondritis?

Last night, I felt pain near my left chest close to my arm while sleeping, and I also felt a bit of tightness in my breathing. However, after getting up, the pain subsided, but I still felt a bit of tightness. In the afternoon, when I lay flat, the pain returned. I applied an ant...

Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Wang: There are many causes of chest discomfort, not just pneumothorax, muscle pain, or pleuritic pain. Furthermore, regarding pneumothorax, the symptoms can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is advisable to visit an outpatient clinic. Please see a specialist.