Common "Flattened Diaphragm" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq
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Flattened Diaphragm

A flattened diaphragm is a major x-ray finding in patients with long-term lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To compensate for the obstructed airflow into the lungs, one's lung muscles try to inflate the lungs more and more. This process is called hyperinflation of the lungs. And the lung keeps pushing onto the diaphragm to flatten it under tension.

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I am diagnosed with a flattened diaphragm. Is it serious?

Query: 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 flatt...  Read Full »

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Answer: 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 smoker...  Read Full »

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