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Breathing difficulty - lying down
Definition
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.
Alternative Names
Waking at night short of breath; Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea; PND; Difficulty breathing while lying down; Orthopnea
Considerations
This 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.
Causes
- 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
Home Care
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.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you have any unexplained difficulty in breathing while lying down, call for an appointment with your health care provider.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
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:
You may need to receive supplemental oxygen.
References
Hess 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.
Hobbs R, Boyle A. Heart failure. In: Carey WD, ed. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine 2010. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
