orthopnea

orthopnea /or·thop·nea/ (or″thop-ne´ah) dyspnea that is relieved in the upright position.orthopne´ic

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or·thop·ne·a (ôrthp-n, ôr-thpn-)

n.

Discomfort in breathing that is relieved by sitting or standing in an erect position.

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Orthopnea

Difficulty in breathing that occurs while the patient is lying down.

Mentioned in: Shortness of Breath

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orthopnea

[ôrthop′nē·ə]

Etymology: Gk, orthos + pnoia, breath

an abnormal condition in which a person must sit or stand to breathe deeply or comfortably. It occurs in many disorders of the cardiac and respiratory systems, such as asthma, pulmonary edema, emphysema, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and angina pectoris. Assessment includes noting the number of pillows used by the patient. Patients with orthopnea also report sleeping in recliners. Also spelled orthopnoea. See also dyspnea. orthopneic, adj.

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orthopnea [or″thop-ne´ah]

dyspnea that is relieved in the upright position; see also platypnea.

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orthopnea (ôr´thopnē´),

n an inability to breathe except in an upright position.

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orthopnea

ability to breathe easily only while standing, seen in congestive heart failure.

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orthopneic position

dogs with congestive heart failure will resist lying down, preferring to stand or sit in order to relieve pulmonary congestion.

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orthopnea

Clinical medicine Dyspnea in a Pt with moderate CHF, due to ↑ venous return from failing ventricles; such Pts breathe better when sitting straight or standing erect