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What Causes Shortness Of Breath Along With Increased Pressure In The Diaphragm?
Question: can pressure on diaphragm cause shortness of breath? My diaphragm feels stiff ever since i started chemotherapy 2 months ago. (adriamyacin and cytosine, now taxol) My oncologist said try valium which eases the discomfort a bit. Any other suggestions?
Brief Answer:
We should rule out bronchitis.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, pressure on diaphragm can not cause breathlessness.
We should definitely rule out bronchitis in your case.
First I would like to know few more things.
1. For which cancer you are taking chemotherapy?
2. Do you smoke?
3. Have you ever undergone chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
We should rule out bronchitis.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, pressure on diaphragm can not cause breathlessness.
We should definitely rule out bronchitis in your case.
First I would like to know few more things.
1. For which cancer you are taking chemotherapy?
2. Do you smoke?
3. Have you ever undergone chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Breast cancer right breast, double mastectomy april 2017. no cancer in sentinel node. cancer cells found in 2 lymph nodes inside the breast margin.
i smoked for 35 years, quit 7 years ago. Yes I had all the pulmonary tests during my years of chronic bronchitis. I had chest x rays at time of mastectomy and port implant as well. I had smallest breast implants done at time of mastectomy under the muscle, skipping the usual "expander" process. The pressure in my upper abdomen seems to be better some days of the chemo "cycle" but never goes away completely. Does not respond to gas-ex, pepto bismol, or nexium, or laxatives. Should I see a gastronteronlogist or the reconstructive plastic surgeon?
i smoked for 35 years, quit 7 years ago. Yes I had all the pulmonary tests during my years of chronic bronchitis. I had chest x rays at time of mastectomy and port implant as well. I had smallest breast implants done at time of mastectomy under the muscle, skipping the usual "expander" process. The pressure in my upper abdomen seems to be better some days of the chemo "cycle" but never goes away completely. Does not respond to gas-ex, pepto bismol, or nexium, or laxatives. Should I see a gastronteronlogist or the reconstructive plastic surgeon?
Brief Answer:
Better to consult pulmonologist and get done PFT.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since you already had chronic bronchitis, we should first rule out bronchitis for your current symptoms.
So first consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
If this shows obstructive Airway disease then you may need inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol).
Please let me know if you are taking any inhaled treatment at present.
No need for plastic surgeon consultation at present.
You can consult gastroenterologist to rule out GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Better to consult pulmonologist and get done PFT.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since you already had chronic bronchitis, we should first rule out bronchitis for your current symptoms.
So first consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
If this shows obstructive Airway disease then you may need inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol).
Please let me know if you are taking any inhaled treatment at present.
No need for plastic surgeon consultation at present.
You can consult gastroenterologist to rule out GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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