Some people may not know what the function of the diaphragm is. The septum between the chest and abdomen plays an important role in the respiratory process. Because the function of the diaphragm is so important in breathing, disturbances in the diaphragm can cause difficulty breathing.
The diaphragm is the main muscle used when breathing. This muscle is located under the lungs and heart, which separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm is shaped like a dome that can move up and down along with the human breathing process.
If the diaphragm weakens, its performance becomes ineffective and will interfere with the function of the respiratory system as a whole.
Getting to Know the Various Functions of the Diaphragm
When you inhale, the respiratory muscles in the chest cavity expand and the diaphragm contracts and becomes flatter. This makes it easier for air or oxygen to move into the lungs, because the pressure in the chest cavity will drop suddenly.
Meanwhile, when you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and reduces the size of the lungs. This can make the air pressure in the chest cavity increase and air flows out.
Apart from being useful in respiratory function, the diaphragm can also help you with vomiting, urination, and defecation, by increasing pressure in the abdominal cavity.
The diaphragm can also prevent gastroesophageal reflux or the rise of stomach acid into the esophagus by maintaining pressure on the esophagus.
How to Breathe Good Using the Diaphragm
Did you know that the best way to breathe is not to use your chest muscles, but to expand your diaphragm?
Breathing with the diaphragm helps the lungs to expand bigger, so that more air can be taken in. In addition, diaphragmatic breathing can also reduce the need for oxygen and spend less energy breathing.
Here's how to breathe with the optimal diaphragm:
- Lie on your back and place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose until your stomach moves up. Make sure the hand that is on the chest does not move.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles and allow them to drop down as you exhale through pursed lips.
This diaphragmatic breathing exercise is done at least 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. At first, breathing this way will feel tiring. However, by practicing and doing it regularly, you will get used to it and it will be easier for you to breathe with your diaphragm.
Diaphragm Disorders That Can Happen
Just like other organs of the body, the diaphragm can also experience interference. The following are some of the disorders that can occur in the diaphragm:
hiatus hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the abdominal organs descends into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm. This disease is more common in obese people and people over 50 years old.
The exact cause of a hiatal hernia is not known. However, there are several things that are thought to trigger the occurrence of this disease, namely:
- Weakening of the diaphragm with age
- Having an injury in the area around the diaphragm
- Receiving continuous and intense pressure on the muscles around the diaphragm, such as when coughing, vomiting, defecating, exercising, or lifting heavy objects
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia or congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs when the diaphragm is not fully formed in the womb and causes part of the stomach contents to protrude into the chest cavity. The abdominal organs that move to the chest can later occupy the space where the lungs should be.
The long-term effects of CDH may be nonexistent. However, children with CDH are at risk of developing chronic lung problems at an early age, pneumonia, COPD, and complications in the digestive system.
Paralyzed diaphragm
When there is damage to the nerves that regulate the muscles of breathing, including the diaphragm, a condition known as diaphragmatic paralysis occurs. Some conditions that can cause diaphragmatic paralysis are Guillain-Barré syndrome, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis.
This disorder can cause disruption of the respiratory process and even respiratory failure. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of diaphragmatic paralysis, such as shortness of breath, easily tired when doing activities, and difficulty sleeping, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.
Diaphragmatic abnormalities are detected early, can be treated before causing complications. In addition, you can apply several ways to maintain a healthy diaphragm, such as limiting foods that trigger acid reflux, eating small portions, and warming up before exercising.
Disorders of the diaphragm can be dangerous to general health. Therefore, consult a doctor if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other symptoms that suggest a problem with your diaphragm.