Orthopnea

Table of Contents

What is Orthopnea?

Orthopnea is a medical condition caused by air being trapped inside your lungs. When you breathe out, it causes the air to expand and push against the small space between your chest wall and rib cage. This pressure forces air into your lungs which are full of gas (oxygen). However, when you exhale, there is less room for expansion because the lung has too much volume. This results in a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels.

The main cause of orthopnea is abnormal breathing patterns. These include:

Shortness of breath due to tight muscles or poor posture.

Breathing through your mouth rather than nose, resulting in excess mucus production and increased acidity of the stomach. This leads to abdominal pain and bloating. It may lead to vomiting if not treated promptly with medication such as anti-emetics or laxatives.

Excessive coughing or phlegm production.

Coughing up blood from the sputum, which contains bacteria and other foreign material. If left untreated, this will result in infection and scarring of the lungs.

Inhaling large amounts of carbon dioxide during exercise. This results in increased heart rate and blood pressure. It leads to increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

These breathing disarray changes the position of the organs inside the chest. It causes the heart and lungs to move closer towards the front of the chest. This makes your lungs more susceptible to orthopnea symptoms. (1)

What are the causes of Orthopnea?

Orthopnea is caused by dysfunctional breathing habits or respiratory conditions. These can be genetic or acquired from other illnesses or surgical procedures.

The main causes of orthopnea include:

Pulmonary Disorders

These include diseases such as:

Diseases affecting the lungs (such as emphysema or asthma). This occurs when there is an increase in pressure inside the lung, which in turn increases the volume of air between the chest wall and ribs. It also puts pressure on the heart and causes it to work harder.

Heart conditions such as congestive heart failure.

Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time. It causes the lungs to collapse and reduces lung capacity.

Neuromuscular problems (such as Lou Gehrig’s disease). This affects the central nervous system and causes loss of muscle strength. These changes affect the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles. (2)

Acquired conditions

These include:

Lung cancer.

Smoking. This causes damage to the lungs and other respiratory organs, which in turn increases pressure inside the chest.

Swelling of the liver or spleen.

Stress from psychological conditions or trauma. (2)

What are the risk factors of Orthopnea?

Orthopnea may be caused by various factors such as:

Having a family history of heart disease or lung disorders.

Tobacco use.

Chronic infection.

Obesity.

Aging. (2)

What are the symptoms of Orthopnea?

Orthopnea causes a variety of symptoms, including:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath while lying down or sitting (in severe cases).

Dizziness and lightheadedness. This occurs due to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Fatigue and weakness. (2)

How is Orthopnea diagnosed?

Orthopnea is usually diagnosed through a physical examination of the patient by a Doctor. They will ask you about your medical history and symptoms, then perform a physical examination. This will include a biopsy of the lungs if they suspect lung cancer or other diseases. (2)

These are the diagnostic tests that your doctor may recommend:

Chest x-ray. This is a non-invasive, low-risk procedure that can identify lung cancer or other disorders of the lungs or chest wall.

EKG (Electrocardiogram). This test can identify irregular heart rhythms or other heart conditions.

Holter monitor. This is a portable device that records your heart rhythm over a 24 hour period. (3)

How is Orthopnea treated?

Treatment depends on what is causing the condition. Treatment options include:

Surgery (if the cause is identified).

Anti-anxiety drugs. These can be used to increase respiration rate, improve oxygen flow and reduce episodes of lightheadedness. (4)

Lifestyle changes and avoiding factors that trigger attacks (such as smoking).

Oxygen therapy.

Learn the signs and symptoms of the condition and seek immediate medical attention if an attack occurs. (3)

What is the prognosis of Orthopnea?

The prognosis of orthopnea is good in most cases. A change in behavior can reverse or slow down the effects of the condition. (3)

How can Orthopnea be prevented?

Orthopnea may be caused by a variety of factors and so the best way to prevent the condition from developing in the first place is to avoid these factors. These include: (2)

Quitting smoking.

Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

Avoiding exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

Controlling stress.

How long does Orthopnea last?

If left untreated, the effects of orthopnea can be permanent. In mild cases, the condition may resolve itself or become less severe over time. (2)

However, in some cases the condition may worsen and require medical attention. On average, orthopnea has a life expectancy of eight years. (3)

In more severe cases, the life expectancy is lower due to the higher risk of developing lung cancer or another illness. (2)

Orthopnea: Key Points

Orthopnea is a condition where a person experiences shortness of breath or difficulty breathing while lying down or sitting. This occurs due to low blood oxygen levels or an increase in fluid retention within the lungs. It is most common in older adults or people who smoke.

Orthopnea can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness. It can also be life-threatening in severe cases.

Orthopnea is often caused by medical conditions such as heart problems, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. It can also be caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity.

Orthopnea is diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination. In some cases, further tests may be needed to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment for orthopnea is often targeted at the underlying cause of the condition. For example, quitting smoking or taking prescription medication.

Orthopnea can be prevented by avoiding lifestyle factors that may contribute to the condition and seeking immediate medical attention for any pre-existing conditions.

Orthopnea can often be reversed or slowed down with lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

Orthopnea: Related Terms

Apnea: A condition where a person stops breathing for long periods of time during sleep.

Atelectasis: A condition where lung tissue collapses due to the lungs not being inflated properly.

Atherosclerosis: A condition where the arteries become narrowed, reducing blood flow to organs and tissues.

Emphysema: A chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath and a need to take deeper breaths.

Heart failure: A condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue.

Pleural effusion: A buildup of fluid in the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall.

Pneumonia: An infection of one or both of the lungs.

Restrictive lung disease: A condition where multiple areas of the lung are unable to expand and fill with air properly.

Stable angina: A type of angina where the chest pain and discomfort is predictable and will go away with rest or medication.

Unstable angina: A type of angina where the chest pain and discomfort is unpredictable and can happen at rest or during activity. It is also known as a ‘migratory’ chest pain.

Fatty liver disease: A condition where excess fat is stored in the liver, leading to inflammation and liver damage.

Pulmonary embolism: A condition where a blood clot travels through the bloodstream and gets stuck in the lung arteries, blocking blood flow to part of the lung.

Orthopnea: A condition where a person experiences shortness of breath or difficulty breathing while lying down or sitting.

Orthopnea: Additional Information

Orthopnea is a common condition that causes shortness of breath when lying down or sitting. It can contribute to a lack of sleep, and in severe or advanced cases, it can lead to daytime fatigue and drowsiness.

Orthopnea is caused by an increased amount of pressure on the lungs when in the lying down position. Although there are no known medical conditions that directly cause or trigger orthopnea, it is often a symptom of other conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or obesity. Other contributing factors can include cigarette smoking, severe coughing or the consumption of large meals during or before bedtime.

A person with orthopnea experiences shortness of breath when lying down. This may cause them to wake up in the middle of the night to change position. As a result, sleep is interrupted and not as restful. In severe or advanced cases, a lack of sleep caused by orthopnea can lead to daytime fatigue and drowsiness.

During sleep, a person’s body naturally assumes the most comfortable position. Most people prefer to sleep on their back or front, and experience discomfort if forced to sleep in another position. When a person has heart or lung disease, this natural preference for a particular sleeping position can cause shortness of breath and other symptoms when in that position.

Orthopnea usually causes most discomfort when lying down. It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and cough. In some cases, it can also cause dizziness, fainting and other symptoms that affect the nervous system. A person with orthopnea often experiences less of these symptoms when sitting or standing, and most experience relief when lying down in a position other than their usual sleeping position.

Orthopnea can also be a side effect of some medical conditions. Conditions such as heart or lung disease, fluid build up and obesity are all possible causes.

Orthopnea is typically diagnosed with the help of a healthcare provider after taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. If necessary, the medical professional may also request other diagnostic tests such as blood pressure readings, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) or chest X-rays.

Orthopnea is not typically treated as there are no known cures. However, it can usually be prevented or lessened with lifestyle changes and in some cases medication.

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight and adjusting eating habits can all help prevent and relieve symptoms of orthopnea by improving a person’s overall health.

Bed rest is not recommended as a treatment for orthopnea and can actually worsen other conditions such as heart failure.

If you think you may have orthopnea or are concerned about your sleeping position, it’s best to consult a medical professional.

TheWetLab