experiences overeating or eating spicy foodĭiaphragmatic flutter, also called van Leeuwenhoek’s disease, is a rare condition that involves rhythmic, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm.simultaneously swallowing and breathing air in.Irritation or injury to this nerve, or any inflammation, can trigger spasms in the diaphragm in addition to causing hiccups and breathing difficulties.Ī variety of factors can irritate the phrenic nerve, including: The phrenic nerve controls the movement of the diaphragm muscle.

The paralysis will quickly pass, however, and the individual can usually breathe again.

A person may often panic or feel anxious if they cannot breathe, which can worsen symptoms. This can lead to significant difficulties in breathing. Temporary paralysisĪ sudden blow to the abdomen can temporarily paralyze the diaphragm. The most severe cases require immediate medical attention as they can injure the stomach, cause bleeding, or interfere with breathing. This can trigger a diaphragm spasm.Ī hernia can be mild or serious, and its severity will determine any additional symptoms. When a hiatal hernia occurs, part of the stomach pushes through an enlarged hiatal opening in the diaphragm. Hiatal hernias occur when age, injury, or recent surgery weakens the muscle tissue in the diaphragm. Hiatal herniaĪ hiatal hernia is a condition in which a part of the stomach moves up into the chest. In some cases, the additional pressure from a stitch can trigger a diaphragm spasm. This may occur when people overexert themselves or have a difficult time performing their warmups. ExerciseĮxercise can cause a cramp or “stitch” in the abdomen. Some people find they experience diaphragm spasms with stress, or that stress aggravates them. There are several potential causes of a diaphragm spasms.Īlthough the symptoms can be uncomfortable, they will usually pass within a few minutes.Ī sudden physical blow to the abdomen or chest may cause a spasm, for example, during a contact sport such as rugby or boxing. spasm in other muscles used for breathing.

inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis.Doctors do not know yet what causes diaphragm spasms, but they tend to link with:

Fluttering in chest not heart related