We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Elevated Hemidiaphragm?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 171,876
Share

Elevated hemidiaphragm is a condition in which half of a patient's diaphragm appears to be raised or elevated. It can be seen on a medical imaging study or upon surgical examination, and it is an indicator of a serious health problem. The treatment for elevated hemidiaphragm varies, depending on what is causing the situation, and may require input from several medical specialists who can combine forces to develop the most appropriate and effective treatment.

The diaphragm is a tough layer of tissue which plays a role in respiration and separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. The tissue is designed to move with respiration to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the chest which occurs when people breathe in and out. Problems with the diaphragm can inhibit respiration and cause other medical issues for patients.

There are three possible reasons for half of the diaphragm to appear raised or elevated: something wrong with the diaphragm itself, something going on in the abdomen which is pushing this tough sheet of tissue up into the chest, or something occurring above the level of the diaphragm which is causing the diaphragm to float upwards.

One reason for elevated hemidiaphragm may be that half the diaphragm has been paralyzed by nerve damage. Another reason is cancer; if a cancer intrudes into the diaphragm, it can be pulled out of position. Patients with lung cancer are at particular risk of this, as the lungs are close to the diaphragm and it is easy for the cancer cells to make the leap to the diaphragm.

Raised or elevated hemidiaphragm can also be caused by a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, a tumor, a surgical complication, or a cyst below the diaphragm. Causes from above can include the collapse of a lung or broken ribs, which destabilize the structure of the rib cage and may pull the diaphragm out of position.

When a patient presents with elevated hemidiaphragm, the first step is figuring out why the condition is occurring, while keeping the patient comfortable if discomfort is being experienced. Medical imaging, patient interviews, and other diagnostic techniques can be used to learn more about the situation. Once a cause is identified, it can be treated, and in the process the elevated hemidiaphragm should be resolved as well. Treatment options can include surgery to drain cysts or remove tumors, chemotherapy to shrink cancers, and so forth.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon999473 — On Jan 13, 2018

An old recollection I have not seen mentioned in articles on the Net is Any abnormal bleeding may be a sign of cancer in the body, like bleeding into the skin. A recent case of this and a failure to properly diagnose possible or even probable lung cancer-which then proved fatal due to it not being followed up causes me to try to recall any such possible signs which may be helpful to others. A positive diagnosis as early as possible may save a life.

By anon999439 — On Jan 05, 2018

What does one do when the X-ray shows elevated right hemidiaphragm with associated volume loss and airspace opacification jn the right to mid lower zones etc and no further treatment or investigation done?

In fact, these features were ignored in the diagnosis and the patient sent home. They were back in seven months, and the X-ray, bronchioscope and biopsy showed stage 4 lung cancer. No treatment again, no TPN, let starve, MDs did nothing. Answer: die.

By raypace — On Feb 21, 2017

I am a 62 year old angioplasty patient which was performed on me when I was 39 years of age.

Very recently a CT thorax was performed due to a chest infection and showed that while my lungs are clear, no pleaural effusion was noted and no other gross abnormality in the chest and upper abdomen detected, there is a high position of the RT hemidiaphragm. This RT hemidiaphragm is constant and consistent when compared to other X-rays I've had in the past.

I do treadmill exercises for 40 minutes each day and I do not experience any chest pains or loss of breath and blood pressure and glucose tests are good.

The doctors at the hospital told me I shouldn't worry and they ordered a repeat chest X-ray in six weeks time.

However after reading your articles, I have started to worry a bit. Should I worry and should I do further tests? I thank you for your advice.

Ray, Malta

By anon995255 — On Apr 15, 2016

Can degenerative disc cause elevated hemidiaphragm?

By anon995121 — On Apr 04, 2016

I have a hemidiaphragm after a VATS debridment for empyema. I have been signed off from my surgeon. I am struggling to breath when climbing stairs or walking faster then a normal stroll. I have to stop and wait a few minutes for my breathing to slow to a normal pace. Can anyone help me with excises I can do to improve this?

By idawmn — On Apr 04, 2014

I had my gallbladder removed earlier this year. Wwo and a half weeks after the surgery, I woke up one morning and I felt I wasn't getting 100 percent oxygen into my lungs. I have been through many tests. My bloodwork is normal, as is my sniff test. No paralyzed diaphragm, my heart was healthy on the echocardiogram, no blocked arteries, no asthma and my lung oxygen saturation is normal. The pulmonologist did note a thin band of atelectasis at bottom of each lung and the person doing my asthma testing a couple of weeks noted the right diaphragm was sitting a bit higher than the left one after looking at my X-ray.

After surgery, I was up and walking around constantly (afraid to get clots, and to get any air out of my system). I don't recall being told to keep doing deep breathing exercises.

Ten weeks later I have persistent shortness of breath day and night, not one day off, not even five minutes relief. I was told I wasn't in a life or death situation because I'm getting normal oxygen levels into my lungs at rest and on exertion. I find though, that the breathing seems to intensify throughout the day (even though it really isn't) and that the upper abdomen and ribs tighten at times, and my throat feels sore. This is wearing me down mentally.

Could this be due to both the diaphragm and atelectasis? I see the pulmonologist's assistant in another few days to go over test results and I guess to see next plan of action. Any thoughts? Thanks.

By anon230134 — On Nov 17, 2011

My husband had a double bypass opp the end of last month afterwards he had an x ray and was diagnosed with a high diaphragm to his right side. This is making him even more breathless than before heart surgery. This had not shown on x ray before the operation, but an old x ray from 2005 or 2006 was found to show this.

Could the bypass operation have aggravated the symptoms? Why would it not have shown up on xrays immediately before the operation?

By discographer — On May 15, 2011

@burcidi-- I think an x-ray is just the first step. I know from my dad that after the x-ray, they did additional x-rays for the chest and something called a fluoroscopy. There were even more tests they could do if they were not able to tell exactly what was causing it, but it wasn't necessary.

So, I guess it depends on the person. A couple of x-rays might be enough for some people. And for others with a more complicated problem, they might do additional testing.

By burcidi — On May 14, 2011

So what kind of tests are necessary to confirm that the hemidiaphragm is raised? Is an x-ray enough?

By burcinc — On May 13, 2011

The body is so interesting. One problem can lead to another which leads to another. I had elevated hemidiaphragm several years ago which was caused by the dilation of my stomach. It turns out the dilation was caused by anemia. When my anemia was treated, the other problems went away along with it.

I think the body has many different ways of warning us about a deeper underlying problem. Elevation of the hemidiaphragm is one of them. If it's there, it means there is something else going on.

By anon81817 — On May 03, 2010

can surgery for robotic prostate removal where a person is elevated during surgery for six hours cause an elevated hemidiaphragm?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-an-elevated-hemidiaphragm.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.