J98: Other respiratory disorders

J98.6: Disorders of diaphragm

The diaphragm separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Above the diaphragm are the lungs and the heart. Beneath the diaphragm are the stomach, liver and spleen. In the diaphragm there are some openings which the large blood vessels and the esophagus run through. The diaphragm is a large breathing muscle. The diaphragm tenses when we breathe in. This lowers the diaphragm. This allows the lungs to expand and take in more air. When we breathe out, the diaphragm relaxes, rising up as it does so.

A disease in the diaphragm can for instance cause breathing difficulties.