Hernia mimicking pneumonia?

[sunconny]

I have been diagnosed with everything from bronchitis to pneumonia for over a month. Steroids and Antibiotics have not worked. the  doc said he noticed on my x ray that I have a diaphragmatic hernia. I asked him how I got that (I had never heard of it) and he said he suspects it was congenital. He said he looked at x ray from 5 years ago and it was also there. Two docs disputed at that time  whether I had pneumonia or there was something else on the x ray. I have always had shortness of breath  and breathing issues since I was an infant.  Could this be the cause? I eat healthy, am at a healthy weight, and work out. I have also always been plagued by digestive issues since childhood which have gotten much worse over time.  Any advice?  I made an appt. with a gastroenterologist. Is this the person most likely to be of assistance for what I am describing?

[sunconny]

Thank you so much. You actually answered me twice in two different forums and were the only one to respond.  I did go to the gastroenterologist.  He seems to feel I also may be aspirating stomach fluids into the lungs. I had an endoscopy and should have the results in two weeks.  He noted the hernia, esophageal spasms and gastritis.

Again, thank you for your advice.  I have noticed that you consistently respond on here to so many.  It is so wonderful of you to make the time to do that. I am sure they all appreciate it as well.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, diaphragmatic hernia is a defect or hole in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal contents to move into the chest cavity. If the hernia is large, it can cause compressive symptoms and lead to breathlessness. And if this occurs it may need to be surgically corrected. And yes a gastroenterologist is the specialist to deal with these hernias. So, good luck.