Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

orthopnea

Noun

/ˌɔːr.θəʊp.niː.ə/

Definition

Orthopnea is a medical term that describes the difficulty in breathing that a person experiences when lying flat. This condition is often relieved by sitting or standing up.

Examples

Patients with orthopnea often find it difficult to sleep lying down and may need to prop themselves up with pillows.
She reported experiencing orthopnea, which led her to consult a doctor about her heart condition.

Meaning

It specifically refers to the shortness of breath that occurs when a person is in a horizontal position, typically associated with heart failure or respiratory issues.