Many things can cause difficulty breathing when lying down, including diseases, anxiety disorders, and lifestyle factors. It isn’t always a medical emergency, but it’s important to make an appointment with a doctor.
However, difficulty breathing when you are lying down, called orthopnea, may be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
Common causes of difficulty breathing when lying down are:
Congestive heart failure
In some cases, breathing difficulty can be a medical emergency.
All types of heart failure can cause shortness of breath. It is usually pulmonary edema, or fluid retention in the lungs, that causes shortness of breath when lying down.
Other symptoms may include fatigue and fluid retention (edema) in the legs.
Treatment for congestive heart failure may include medications and lifestyle changes.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases that cause breathing problems. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about
The symptoms of COPD
- chronic coughing
- difficulty breathing with activity
- frequent chest infections, such as bronchitis
Obstructive sleep apnea
Sleep apnea causes shallow or brief pauses in breathing while sleeping. The
If sleep apnea makes breathing difficult while lying down, you may find using a continuous positive airway pressure machine helpful.
Snoring occurs when your tongue, throat, and the roof of your mouth (soft palate) relax during sleep, obstructing your airway. This can happen because of your anatomy, alcohol consumption, obesity, or a cold or allergies.
Complications of snoring may include daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.
It may be helpful to sleep on your side. You may also find that using a mouthguard helps with your snoring. More serious forms of snoring may require surgery.
An upper respiratory infection (URI) occurs from a contagious virus or bacteria. The most typical URI is known as the common cold. It is an infectious process whose symptoms are
Symptoms of a URI may include:
In most cases, however, minor chest infections may clear up without taking any medications.
If you have obesity or overweight, you may experience difficulty breathing when lying down. This is because having more weight may put pressure on the lungs and diaphragm.
You can temporarily relieve difficulty breathing due to obesity by sleeping on your side instead of your back. Lying on your side can decrease the pressure on your lungs.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Lying down too soon after eating may also cause difficulty breathing. This may be due to regurgitating food up your esophagus and is a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
It may also be the pressure of the food in your stomach pressing down on your diaphragm. Your diaphragm separates your stomach from your lungs.
Sitting up for a few hours until you digest the food can relieve this discomfort. You
It is a typical part of life to have occasional stress. Things such as difficulties with money, health, or family can cause stress. However, if your chronic stress interferes with daily activities, it may be anxiety.
Symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- rapid breathing
- a choking sensation
- a tingling sensation, particularly around the mouth and fingertips
If an anxiety disorder causes your breathing issues, various treatments can help ease symptoms. Psychotherapy may help you cope with anxiety. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, may also be beneficial.
Other symptoms may be present if this symptom occurs due to a medical condition, such as heart failure, sleep apnea, or COPD.
Other important symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms along with difficulty breathing, get medical attention immediately:
Breathing difficulty isn’t always due to a serious medical condition, but it’s important to talk with your doctor about any breathing issues.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to help them diagnose the underlying cause of your breathing difficulties. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and medical history.
Your doctor will pay close attention to your heart and lungs during the physical exam. Additional tests
What is it called when you have difficulty breathing?
Difficulty breathing when lying down is called orthopnea.
What is the best sleeping position for breathing problems?
Lying on your side with your head somewhat elevated is the best sleeping position for breathing problems.
What is the cause of difficulty breathing when lying on the left side?
Difficulty breathing when lying on your left side could result from heart failure or a disease of one lung.
If you ever experience difficulty breathing when lying down, you may want to seriously consider speaking with your doctor about it. It may be a minor medical condition, but it could also signify a serious medical condition.