What Is a Tracheostomy?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
8. Diaphragm Problems
The diaphragm is a thin muscle that is located just beneath the lungs. When it contracts, it flattens out and pulls the bottom of the lungs down with it. This results in a vacuum in the lungs, and this causes fresh air to be sucked into the lungs. When it relaxes, the spent air is forced out and the process can start again.
In some cases, the patients diaphragm will develop problems, meaning that it is no longer able to pull down on the lungs as it usually would. Thus, the patient will need help with breathing, and this will often mean a tracheostomy is necessary to allow a tube to be inserted into the windpipe.
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