Why shortness of breath when lying down

People with lung disorders commonly report that breathing is more difficult while lying down , so patients with COPD may notice their symptoms worsen when they get into bed. Your doctor will help you to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan that helps you breathe and sleep better at night. Contact DispatchHealth today to learn more about our in-home healthcare or to schedule an appointment.

DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies. Request a Visit. Account Sign In or Create Account. But sometimes it could be a sign of something more serious, such as a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD or lung cancer.

Do not try to self-diagnose the cause of your shortness of breath — always see a GP. Page last reviewed: 20 October Next review due: 20 October Shortness of breath. Doctors often test for edema by pressing their thumb to the skin and seeing whether it leaves an impression. You may see this yourself if you take off your shoes and socks and find that your socks have left an impression in the skin of your ankles and feet.

You may notice more severe swelling if you have been eating too much salt, which causes your body to retain fluid. Elevating your feet or wearing supportive stockings can help relieve the swelling. Weight gain may be the first noticeable sign that you have developed heart failure or that your heart failure is getting worse.

The amount of weight gained varies greatly among people with heart failure, and it reflects the amount of sodium and water the body has retained. A sudden weight gain may mean that excess fluid is building up in your body because your heart failure is getting worse. It is a symptom of sudden heart failure. Your doctor will probably ask you to weigh yourself every day. Know when to call your doctor if you suddenly gain weight.

Your doctor likely will work with you to manage changes in weight caused by fluid retention. For example, if you have a weight increase of 1 kg 2. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Rakesh K. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Speech Bubble Icon. Share Icon. Facebook Icon. LinkedIn Icon. Pinterest Icon. Pocket Icon. Share Link Icon. Copied to clipboard. Table of Contents. Difficulty breathing when lying down explained Have you ever woken up at night, breathless, and need to sit up for relief? Common characteristics of shortness of breath when lying down In describing their experiences, people with orthopnea have said, "When I lie down, I feel Uncomfortable when I breathe.

Like my chest is tightening. Like I can't take a deep enough breath. I am out of breath. I have to work hard to breathe. I am being smothered. What causes shortness of breath when lying down? Cardiovascular causes Under the following conditions, the heart is unable to pump effectively, and not enough oxygenated blood reaches your lungs, causing orthopnea.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Aortic valve regurgitation Atrial fibrillation Myocarditis Pulmonary causes Under these conditions, oxygen is not effectively transferred into your lungs, even if your heart is working well, causing orthopnea.

Bronchitis Pneumonia Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD Pulmonary embolism Cystic fibrosis Other causes Some other possible conditions that may cause orthopnea include the following. Sleep apnea : Sleep apnea is one of the bigger offenders. It is more often seen in men, smokers, people who are overweight or have a sinus abnormality.

Sleep apnea is often what causes the snoring, snorting, and restlessness that forces your bedmate to sleep in the guest room. Panic disorder Anemia Nasal congestion Pregnancy Gastrointestinal conditions Allergies and anaphylaxis Obesity Traveling to high altitudes This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.