Orthopnea (patient information)

Breathing difficulty - lying down

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Breathing difficulty - lying down?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]

## Overview

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Breathing difficulty while lying down is an abnormal condition in which a person must keep the head raised (by sitting or standing) to be able to breathe deeply or comfortably.

A specific type of breathing difficulty while lying down is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition causes a person to wake up suddenly during the night feeling short of breath.

## What causes Breathing difficulty - lying down?

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* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
* Cor pulmonale
* Heart failure
* Obesity (does not directly cause difficulty breathing while lying down but often aggravates other conditions that lead to it)
* Panic disorder
* Sleep apnea
* Snoring

## Diagnosis

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The 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:

* Chest x-ray
* ECG
* Echocardiogram
* Pulmonary function tests

You may need to receive supplemental oxygen.

## When to seek urgent medical care?

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If you have any unexplained difficulty in breathing while lying down, call for an appointment with your health care provider.

## Treatment options

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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.

## Where to find medical care for Breathing difficulty - lying down?

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Breathing difficulty - lying down

## Sources

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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003076.htm Template:WH Template:WS