Orthopnoea

Orthopnoea is a symptom in which a person finds it difficult to breathe while lying flat. The person may have to use multiple pillows when lying to breathe comfortably. Orthopnoea is often a sign of heart failure, but it can also occur in other conditions such as pulmonary edema and asthma.

Causes

Orthopnoea is most commonly associated with congestive heart failure. In this condition, fluid builds up in the lungs when the person is lying down, making it difficult to breathe. Other conditions that can cause orthopnoea include:

• Pulmonary edema: This is a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
• Asthma: This is a condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms

The main symptom of orthopnoea is difficulty breathing when lying flat. Other symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of suffocation or drowning
• Waking up after a few hours of sleep due to shortness of breath
• Needing to sleep sitting up or with multiple pillows

Diagnosis

Orthopnoea is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. The doctor may ask about the person's symptoms and when they occur. They may also perform tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests may include:

• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Pulmonary function tests

Treatment

Treatment for orthopnoea depends on the underlying cause. If it is caused by heart failure, treatment may include medications to reduce fluid in the body and improve heart function. If it is caused by a lung condition, treatment may include medications to improve lung function and reduce inflammation.

See also

• Dyspnea
• Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
• Trepopnea

Orthopnoea Resources
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