Shortness of breath when lying flat
Shortness of breath when lying flat, called orthopnoea, is a hallmark of heart failure. Lying down causes fluid to redistribute into the lungs, making breathing difficult. Patients often need to sleep propped up on pillows.
Conditions that commonly cause shortness of breath when lying flat
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Common Causes of Shortness of breath when lying flat
- Congestive heart failure
- Severe COPD
- Large pleural effusion
- Obesity-related breathing difficulty
- Diaphragm weakness
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care for Shortness of breath when lying flat
These signs may indicate a serious problem — don't wait, seek medical care right away:
- Waking up at night gasping for air
- Needing more pillows each week to breathe comfortably
- Breathlessness lying flat with swollen ankles
- Cough producing pink frothy sputum
- Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
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