SNIFF TEST

If your right diaphragm is elevated, a SNIFF test will show if it is paralyzed. When I had my SNIFF test four years ago, I just stood in front of an x-ray machine and sniffed in and out. The technician could tell I had a paralyzed diaphragm by seeing it wasn't working when I inhaled and exhaled. The gold standard SNIFF test being done now is by ultrasound. It's pretty rare to have a paralyzed diaphragm, but having a definite diagnosis is a blessing because you can move on to what you're going to do about it. Sometimes it takes years for people to get a diagnosis. If your right diaphragm is paralyzed, you can learn more paralyzed diaphragms and treatment options here, read about it on web sites like the Diaphragm Center at Columbia in NY, join a facebook group for people with paralyzed diaphragms. There are two groups, and I belong to the one that has around 1,500 amazing people who can answer your questions and provide support. Good luck!
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6481788/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3HBm21wBanWrV6rFefljzJpgiIBW6gN9odMcXYtrHFk934JkjEvkqhuEU_aem_5h9PwleQznJZlfFSCA-1xg

Thank you! You explained it well. I haven’t had the test yet. My primary wants me to see a neurologist next.

You are truly blessed to have an excellent primary doctor who suspects you have a paralyzed or weak diaphragm and is recommending all the right referrals and tests. The neurologist will probably do an EMG test, which sees if the phrenic nerve that enables the diaphragm to function is working. Most of us with paralyzed diaphragms have phrenic nerves which aren't working because they were damaged from accidents, operations, viruses, etc. In a few cases paralyzed or weak diaphragms are symptoms of underlying problems like neuromuscular diseases...so it is wonderful you will be seeing a neurologist to investigate that possibility. Please keep us posted as you learn more or if you have any questions.

forgot to paste this https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/emg/about/pac-20393913

P.S. Your neurologist can also do an EMG test on your actual diaphragm muscle, to see if it is working, in addition to testing your phrenic nerve. I didn't have either of these tests done so am not that familiar with them. Sorry I forgot to mention this.

Thanks! My appointment with a neurologist isn’t until March. I appreciate any and all info.

Yes, you probably know by now it’s also called a Chest Fluoroscopy. It is as easy and painless as a chest x-ray. The test shows the Radiologist your lungs in action as you breath normally. Very good for spotting paralysis of the diaphragm.

No I didn’t know what it was called. I am sure learning a lot. Thank you!

What can be done for a hemidiaphragm? My pulmonologist didn’t seem that concerned. He gave me an inhaler for my cough.
Now I’m worried about this SNIFF Test? I see my Neurologist in March (referral from my primary doc)

If I were you, I'd insist on having the SNIFF test done right away. It is an easy noninvasive test that doesn't hurt at all. It is not normal to have an elevated right hemidiaphragm; and you and your doctors need to find out the reason why you have it. If you have a paralyzed right hemidiaphragm causing it to be elevated, there are a few treatment options available. That knowledge, coupled with what your neurologist finds next spring, will help determine a treatment plan for you. You will have some options, but first you need a diagnosis. A SNIFF test is a definite major step in determining what's going on with your right hemidiaphragm. You might want to start reading about the diaphragm, what it does, etc. I didn't even know what it was when a thoracic surgeon told me I had a paralyzed left diaphragm that was causing my breathing problems, so I had a lot to learn. A paralyzed diaphragm is a rare condition which many pulmonologists and doctors aren't familiar with. Please do not let your pulmonologist dismiss you, tell you it's not important, or tell you there is nothing you can do about it. None of those things are true. Your new primary doctor seems to be on the ball and is steering you in the right direction. There is no reason why you shouldn't have a SNIFF test right away. It is warranted simply because your chest x-ray indicated your right hemidiaphragm is raised. I really hope you will push for having it done, because the results will give you so much information on your condition and how to proceed.