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Breathing difficulty while lying down is an abnormal condition in which a person must keep the head elevated (by sitting or standing) to be able to breathe deeply or comfortably. The condition may also cause a person to wake up suddenly during the night feeling short of breath (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).
Alternative NamesWaking at night short of breath; Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea; PND; Difficulty breathing while lying down; Orthopnea
ConsiderationsThis is a common complaint in people with some types of heart or lung problems. Sometimes the problem is subtle. People may only notice it when they realize that sleep is more comfortable with lots of pillows under their head, or their head in a propped-up position.
Common Causes- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cor pulmonale
- Heart failure
- Hypertensive heart disease
- Obesity (does not directly cause difficulty breathing while lying down but often aggravates other conditions)
- Panic disorder
- Sleep apnea
- Snoring
Your health care provider may prescribe treatment for breathing difficulty while lying down. The treatment will depend on the specific illness causing the problem.
Weight loss is generally recommended in people who are obese.
Call your health care provider ifIf you have any unexplained difficulty in breathing while lying down, call for an appointment with your health care provider.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe health care provider will perform a physical examination and take your medical history.
Medical history questions may include:
- Did this problem develop suddenly or slowly?
- Is it getting worse (progressive)?
- How bad is it?
- How many pillows do you need to help you breathe comfortably?
- Is there any ankle, feet, and leg swelling?
- Do you have difficulty breathing at other times?
- How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
- What other symptoms do you have?
The physical examination will include special attention to the heart and lungs (cardiovascular and respiratory systems).
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
You may need to receive supplemental oxygen.
ReferencesHess OM, Carroll JD. Clinical assessment of heart failure. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 23.
Massie BM. Heart failure: pathophysiology and diagnosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 57.
What else can I help you with?
Why do you have difficulty breathing when lying on your back only?
Gravity
What is orthopnea?
Orthopnea means difficulty breathing when lying flat or, stated another way, easy breathing only when upright.
What is the medical term meaning only able to breathe when lying down?
Difficulty breathing when in an upright posture, usually relieved by lying down, is called platypnea. The word is from the Greek platus (flat) and pnoia (breath).
Which term is the ability to breathe comfortable only when in an upright position?
Orthopnea is the term used to describe the difficulty in breathing comfortably when lying down and the ability to breathe more easily in an upright position.
Difficulty breathing in neonates is due to?
this is characterized by breathing difficulty due to allergy
My cat is lying down in his litter boxs for the first time is this bad?
If you cat is not breathing, then yes.
What is the medical term meaning abnormal condition in which when a person stands or sits up to breathe?
Orthopnea is the medical term meaning a person breathes more easily when sitting or standing than when lying down. It is a typical finding in pneumonia.
Why am I unable to raise my leg when lying down?
Difficulty raising your leg when lying down could be due to muscle weakness, nerve damage, or joint issues. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What does emphysema cause?
difficulty breathing
Effect of shabu?
difficulty in breathing
What is the meaning of dyspnea?
Difficulty of breathing.
Difficulty in breathing a sign of early pregnancy?
It can be but you should see a Dr as soon as possible if you are having difficulty breathing especially if you are pregnant.
