Did you know that experiencing shortness of breath while lying down is actually a health condition? Medically termed orthopnea, the condition can be both temporary and long-term, depending on the cause. In most people, it goes away once the person suffering from it returns to an upright position.
However, it is crucial to know what's causing it, whether it is a lung or a heart problem, and if it is something serious. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Nagesh Dhadge, Consultant Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, sheds light on the same.
Why Some People Experience Shortness Of Breath While Lying Down![]()
According to Dr Dhadge, orthopnea can arise from various factors, including lung congestion during recumbency. Recumbency refers to the position of lying down or leaning back, or the time spent in that position.
He explains that when a person is in a horizontal position, blood volume redistributes from the legs and abdomen to the lungs. This can cause the buildup of excess fluid in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. While this redistribution typically does not cause breathing difficulties in healthy individuals, it can trigger breathlessness in those with pre-existing lung conditions.
Also Read: Check Out These 8 Best Home Remedies For Shortness Of Breath
The Sleep Foundation suggests that orthopnea is associated with health conditions such as:
- Heart failure
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Obesity
- Anxiety or panic disorder
- Pulmonary oedema
- Pneumonia
- Sleep apnoea
- Snoring
How To Tell If It Is A Lung Or A Heart Problem![]()
Dr Dhadge says that it is very difficult from the description of symptoms alone to differentiate between breathlessness caused by heart or lung problems. However, there are a few clues.
According to the doctor, the presence of cough, sputum production, and variable breathlessness, which is triggered by change in weather, is more likely to be due to lung disease.
On the other hand, breathlessness, which is consistently progressive and not affected by weather changes, is likely to be due to heart disease.
If orthopnea occurs repetitively and persistently, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic Tests To Take
Besides clinical examination of the patients, commonly used tests to detect the cause of orthopnea are:
- Chest X-ray
- Lung function test
- An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
- Echocardiogram of the heart
- Blood tests like PRO-BNP
- Assessment of diaphragm contractions
How To Treat Orthopnea![]()
According to the Sleep Foundation, treating orthopnea involves minimising symptoms and treating the underlying cause.
Specific treatments include pillow positioning, supplemental oxygen, and medication, as per the charity.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the underlying condition, doctors may prescribe lifestyle changes, medications, medical devices, or surgery.
Conclusion
If you experience shortness of breath while lying down or reclining, it is crucial that you get yourself examined by a doctor. If this continues for prolonged periods, take necessary tests to confirm the underlying cause and seek treatment for the same. Dr Dhadge also recommends lifestyle changes, such as weight reduction, smoking cessation, yoga, and daily breathing exercises, which may help in the treatment of underlying diseases.