|
|
Breathing Difficulty - Lying Down
Alternate Names : Difficulty Breathing While Lying Down, Orthopnea, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea, PND, Waking at Night Short of Breath
DefinitionBreathing difficulty while lying down is an abnormal condition in which a person must keep the head elevated (such as by sitting or standing) to be able to breathe deeply or comfortably (orthopnea), or the person awakens suddenly during the night feeling short of breath (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview & Considerations
For people with some types of heart or lung problems, this is a common complaint. Sometimes the problem is subtle and is only noticed when the person realizes that sleep is more comfortable with lots of pillows under the head or in a propped up position.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview & Considerations
• Common Causes
• Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Cor Pulmonale
• Heart Failure
• Hypertensive Heart Disease
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Panic Disorder
Tests & Exams
• Chest X-Ray
• ECG
• Pulmonary Function Tests
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Cardiovascular
• Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
• Intentional Weight Loss
• Obesity
• Physical Examination
• Respiratory
• Snoring
Review Date : 5/4/2003
Reviewed By : Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
