I have phrenic nerve issues, and have SOB, A doctor can order a sniff test and a visit to a resp therapist and stick you in a chamber and measure your inhalation and exhalation rate. I have moderate but not severe impairment, I had a simple xray and saw one side was not like the other and had zero injury and zero trauma and zero surgery, I used to run everywhere (military) and WHAM just like that I have SOB I still work out and train and can do alright, but sudden exertion or core exercises kill me I am so angry
Phrenic nerve damage usually shows up as breathing problems, since it controls the diaphragm. People often notice shortness of breath (worse when lying down), trouble taking deep breaths, or getting tired easily. Some also experience persistent hiccups or frequent chest infections because the lungs don’t expand fully. In more serious cases, one side of the diaphragm can get paralyzed, which doctors confirm through scans