Is the diagnosis of a flattened diaphragm serious?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was recently admitted to the hospital for three days with chest pain along with severe shortness of breath. I had a 2D echo and a CT of my heart done. The results revealed a flattened diaphragm and hyperinflated lungs, but the cardiac tests have not yet arrived. How serious is a flattened diaphragm? I have also been put on new medications namely prednisone 20 mg in three tablets for five days and Sucralfate once a day. Kindly suggest what should be done.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your post.

The flattened diaphragm is due to excess inflation of the lung which pushes the diaphragm down so it looks flat. The primary problem is in the lung and it is due to COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease). This is usually seen in smokers after a particular age. So, you will need regular inhalers and you need to stop smoking else you will have a rapid downhill course.

Regards.