Orthopnea (Greek from ortho, straight + pnoia, breath) is
dyspnea which occurs when lying flat, causing the person to have to sleep propped up in bed or
sitting in a chair. Orthopnoea is a symptom of heart
failure. It can also occur in those with asthma and chronic bronchitis, as well as those with sleep apnea or panic disorder. The condition is often due to left ventricular failure and/or pulmonary edema. It is also associated with Polycystic Liver
Disease.
Patients with orthopnoea often complain of waking up suddenly during the night 'unable to breathe' if they have slipped down
from their pillows into the supine position. They may run to the window to 'get some air'.
It is commonly measured according to the number of pillows needed to prop the patient up to enable breathing (Example: "3
pillow orthopnea").
See also
References
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2006).
Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 28th Edition. Baltimore, Maryland: Julie K.
Stegman, 1383. ISBN 0-7817-3390-1.
|
Symptoms and signs
(R00-R69,
780-789) |
Circulatory
and
respiratory systems |
Tachycardia -
Bradycardia - Palpitation - Heart murmur - Epistaxis - Hemoptysis - Cough - abnormalities of breathing (Dyspnea, Orthopnoea, Stridor,
Wheeze, Cheyne-Stokes respiration,
Hyperventilation, Mouth breathing,
Hiccup, Bradypnea, Hypoventilation) - Chest pain - Asphyxia - Pleurisy - Respiratory
arrest - Sputum - Bruit/Carotid bruit - Rales |
| Digestive system
and abdomen |
Abdominal
pain - Acute abdomen - Nausea - Vomiting - Heartburn - Dysphagia -
Flatulence - Burping - Fecal incontinence - Encopresis - Hepatomegaly - Splenomegaly - Hepatosplenomegaly - Jaundice - Ascites - Fecal occult blood - Halitosis |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue |
disturbances of skin sensation (Hypoesthesia, Paresthesia, Hyperesthesia) - Rash - Cyanosis -
Pallor - Flushing - Petechia - Desquamation - Induration
- Diaphoresis |
Nervous and
musculoskeletal systems |
abnormal involuntary movements
(Tremor, Spasm, Fasciculation, Athetosis) - Gait
abnormality - lack of coordination (Ataxia, Dysmetria, Dysdiadochokinesia, Hypotonia) - Tetany - Meningism - Hyperreflexia |
| Urinary system |
Dysuria - Vesical tenesmus - Urinary incontinence -
Urinary retention - Oliguria - Polyuria - Nocturia |
Cognition,
perception,
emotional state and behaviour |
Anxiety -
Somnolence - Coma - Amnesia
(Anterograde amnesia, Retrograde
amnesia) - Dizziness/Vertigo - smell and
taste (Anosmia, Ageusia, Parosmia, Parageusia) |
| Speech and
voice |
speech
disturbances (Dysphasia, Aphasia, Dysarthria) - symbolic dysfunctions (Dyslexia, Alexia, Agnosia, Apraxia,
Acalculia, Agraphia) - voice disturbances (Dysphonia, Aphonia) |
| General symptoms and
signs |
Fever
(Hyperpyrexia) - Headache - Chronic pain - Malaise - Fatigue - Fainting (Vasovagal
syncope) - Febrile seizure - Shock
(Cardiogenic shock) - Lymphadenopathy -
Edema (Peripheral edema, Anasarca) - Hyperhidrosis (Sleep
hyperhidrosis) - Delayed milestone - Failure to thrive - food and fluid intake (Anorexia, Polydipsia, Polyphagia) - Cachexia - Xerostomia -
Clubbing |
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
