Dr. Bernard Seif answered 39 years experience Clinical Psychology Some people with asthma experience symptoms primarily at night, and notice shortness of breath when lying down to sleep. By definition, SARS-CoV-2 affects … This often causes the characteristic heartburn that GERD sufferers complain of. The Symptoms of Acid Reflux & Fatty Liver, American Heart Association: About Heart Failure, American Heart Association: Obesity Information. Asthma is a disease that causes the air passages of the lung to swell, making the airway more narrow. All orthopnea requires a thorough medical evaluation, but rapid-onset orthopnea merits emergency medical attention. It is therefore useful to investigate the causes of chest pain or shortness of breath concurrently. Considerations The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood from your lungs to your body. Obesity. If you have a child, you can try special steps to improve your child’s bedroom if they have asthma. Another way to reduce levels of allergens in your bedroom is to provide adequate ventilation, if possible. Indoor irritants and pollutants that may be triggering your symptoms at night. As in asthma, during acute COPD exacerbations patients may complain of orthopnea, and may assume a "tripod" position, sitting up and leaning forward with their hands on their knees, in order to relieve their breathlessness. The reasons for these nighttime symptoms are debated, but shortness of breath at night may indicate undiagnosed asthma. The strain worsens the heart's pumping function and leads to extra fluid backup in the lungs. Sleep apnea is one of the most common reasons people have a shortness of breath while lying down. 2. Dear Doctor: About three years ago, I began to get short of breath upon lying down. This is because in order to breath, your diaphragm, the principle muscle of respiration, must compress your abdominal contents in order to expand your lungs. This condition causes a person to wake up suddenly during the night feeling short of breath. Called “pannus,” this phenomenon prevents the lungs from inflating fully. 1) Shortness of breath because of problems with the lungs, such as: 2) Problems with the airways that lead to the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath: 3) Shortness of breath because of problems with the heart that may include: 4) Other causes for shortness of breath may include: If you are waking up with shortness of breath at night, this is not normal. People who carry excess weight or have obesity may have difficulty breathing when lying down due to the compressive effects of the weight on their abdomen. In some conditions, the dif… Orthopnea can result from disorders of the heart, lungs and gastrointestinal system. What May Cause Shortness of Breath When Walking or Biking? Most cases of shortness of breath are due to heart or lung conditions. When laying flat, your abdominal contents redistribute, causing a greater degree of mechanical obstruction for the diaphragm. It can also be a sign of a panic attack. Chronic dyspnea can make you feel out of breath with everyday tasks, such as walking from room to room or standing up. However, both may occur at the same time and for the same reasons. Please note that this article is only about recurring symptoms*, and if you have breathing difficulty that comes on suddenly or seriously interferes with your breathing, then you should seriously consider going to the emergency room or calling 911. Shortness of breath when lying down, also known as orthopnea, can affect individuals when sleeping or awake. This may also mean your asthma is poorly controlled. I started taking StressTabs Plus Iron to be on the safe side, but am now experiencing (along with fatigue) shortness of breath when lying down. The factors for these nighttime symptoms are disputed, however shortness of breath during the night may suggest undiagnosed asthma. When there are high levels of both, those with asthma are more likely to have symptoms, especially older adults and children. Doctors often attribute respiratory symptoms to the growing uterus pushing upward on the lungs and making it difficult to breathe. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is another cause of orthopnea. However, one common reason for these symptoms—asthma—has not been discussed yet in this article. The Ultimate Molekule-Approved Gift Guide, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Air passages in your nose, mouth, or throat are blocked, Choking because of something that is stuck in the airways, Chest pain because of poor blood flow through the heart’s blood vessels, High altitudes where there is less oxygen in the air, Cor pulmonale (when the right side of the heart fails). If the stomach acid refuxes into your trachea, it can produce cough and a sensation of shortness of breath. It has also been found that older adults, as well as people with asthma, are at an increased risk for the adverse health effects of air pollution. Other causes might be problems with the lungs, the airways leading to the lungs, and the heart, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). When experiencing difficulty breathing or wheezing when lying down, you may also have a cough or heart palpitations. This general problem is common for people with some types of heart or lung problems. Even if it isn’t a medical emergency, if you’re having shortness of breath regularly, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. I don't become short of breath while exercising, and walk about 30 minutes a day on a treadmill with no shortness of breath or other symptoms. Because reflux is more likely to occur when laying flat, GERD can be a cause of orthopnea (Harrison's, Ch 2. People who have left heart failure may experience shortness of breath when lying flat (orthopnea). All orthopnea needs to be evaluated by a medical professional. it happens when i think about my shortness of breath. According to the EPA, air pollution can make it harder to breathe and can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort, and a burning feeling in the lungs. This may occur with waking up coughing and/or wheezing, having a rapid heart rate, and a feeling of being suffocated. Shortness of breath when you lie down is … Shortness of breath resulting from CHF may worsen when lying flat because blood that pools in your legs while upright puts extra strain on the heart when you lie down. And when you are home at night, certain indoor air pollutants that are also allergens might trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is another cause of orthopnea. People who experience this condition often have to sleep with their heads propped up … Breathing consists of two phases. I am a certified fitness specialist through the American College of Spots Medicine and an IYT certified yoga teacher. Posted by 3 hours ago. Common asthma triggers (which are also indoor air pollutants) could include: The allergens above could be floating in the air inside your home, and breathing them in may aggravate your symptoms if you have asthma. ... flipping over throughout the night. A number of lung conditions can cause shortness of breath that worsens when lying down. Your lungs may be unable to process the intake of oxygen or your heart may not able to pump blood effectively. A variety of lung conditions can cause shortness of breath that worsens when resting. Shortness of breath with exertion. After a couple of minutes or so, the shortness of breath resolves. Your heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to your tissues and removing carbon dioxide, and problems with either of these processes affect your breathing. If asthma has already been diagnosed, nighttime shortness of breath may indicate a need to change the timing of when asthma medications are taken so they are more effective at night. If you do feel breathless at night, or when lying down, try supporting yourself with pillows so you are lying in a … DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, Ninth Edition; Richard F. LeBlond, M.D., et al. Less commonly, a viral infection, chronic alcoholism or inherited diseases can cause CHF. One potential cause is a condition called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), according to the NLM. Shortness of breath with exertion is referred to as … On the other hand, shortness of breath due to the new coronavirus is caused by the pathogen SARS-CoV-2. This condition causes a person to wake up suddenly during the night feeling short of breath. Other symptoms include wakefulness at night with shortness of breath, cough at night or when lying down, breathlessness with activity, swelling of ankles or … “That is the most common presenting symptom,” says Vallerie McLaughlin, M.D., director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center. If you or a family member has asthma, a physician may suggest changes in the environment to reduce allergens in the air. 1. Shortness of breath has lots of different causes. They are small patches of sensitive muscle tissue, maybe caused by a “micro cramp,” or possibly neurological hypersensitivity. In this article, read more about why you may have shortness of breath at night and learn possible solutions to try on your own after talking with your physician. A type of breathing difficulty while lying down is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Chest pain and shortness of breath are two different symptoms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a chronic lung disease usually caused smoking. After discussing with your doctor, taking these environmental measures may help with shortness of breath at night and help improve indoor air quality. Any condition that impairs the heart's pumping function can cause a condition called congestive heart failure, or CHF. However, if you are experiencing orthopnea that has developed or progressed rapidly, seek emergency care as this may indicate a life-threatening problem. *The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For dust mite allergens, you can try using allergen-friendly covers for mattresses and pillows. Common causes include a cold or chest infection, being overweight, and smoking. You may have shortness of breath for a variety of reasons, such as heart disease if your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply oxygen to your body. Our article looks into what may be causing your shortness of breath when lying down. Common causes for difficulty breathing when lying down are: panic disorder; snoring; respiratory infections; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sleep apnea The truth is that recurring episodes of sudden shortness of breath at night or in the early morning hours is an important sign of asthma (Ukena, Fishman & Niebling, 2008). You may feel more breathless lying down because the fluid in your lungs moves with gravity, making more of your lungs wet (think of liquid in a bottle upright and then lying on its side). One potential cause is a condition called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), according to the NLM. Trigger points are a big, tricky topic. If you do have shortness of breath at night, you should first talk to your doctor about the problem. Breathing Trouble While Lying Down: Difficulty In Breathing At Night Breathing trouble is an uncomfortable feeling caused due to many respiratory problems or other systemic diseases. The reasons for these nighttime symptoms are debated, but shortness of breath at night may indicate undiagnosed asthma. Many heart conditions can lead to CHF, but the most common are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and disorders of the structure or function of your heart valves. Shortness of breath when lying down. Other symptoms include cough and wheezing. Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly (called acute) has a limited number of causes, including: Ultimately, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, you should see your physician. The above allows me to write directly to the reader based on personal experiences. The official medical term for the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing is dyspnea. If you have sensitive airways, your asthma symptoms could be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens. This idea that outdoor air pollution can make asthma worse has been known for decades. People who experience this condition often have to sleep with their heads propped up on pillows. Learn more about a new technology that can destroy these pollutants. PND often happens after one or two hours of sleep, and is usually relieved by coming to an upright position. While these symptoms may occur at any time, with any activity or any position, there are certain specific causes when chest pain occurs when lying down. You might even awaken and find yourself coughing or wheezing. Another allergen could be pet dander if pets are allowed in the bedroom. I hold a Master's degree in exercise physiology/health promotion. This condition will cause you to wake up suddenly during the night and feel short of breath. With CHF, spaces in the lungs that are normally filled with air become congested with blood, causing fluid leakage into these areas. When Air Pollution Gets Worse: 10 Tips to Protect Yourself, Molekule-Approved Gifts for Expecting Parents. Shortness of Breath Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) can cause breathing difficulties (dyspnea) which is usually notable when the person lies down or exercises. Close. Uninterrupted sleep can help you wake up feeling more refreshed and at ease, and in general reduce anxiety about any difficulties with breathing. What Is PM 2.5 and How Can You Reduce Your Exposure? You might even awaken and find yourself coughing or wheezing. Many heart conditions can lead to CHF, but the most common are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and disorders of the structure or function of your heart valves. The first phase is the inspiration phase. 21 yrs 75kg male having shortness of breath it decrases when lying down. shortness of breath lying down The nurse gave me the results over the phone, but didn't say if I should come in and see the doctor or not. Research has found that if you have frequent nighttime asthma symptoms, the more severe your asthma might be (Lanier & Nayak, 2015). General breathing difficulty while lying down (called orthopnea) is when you have trouble breathing normally while lying flat. Sleep Apnea. Research (Sublett, 2011) has shown that using an air purifier placed right by the bed in the “sleep breathing zone” can be beneficial. This is true for adults as well as children who suffer from asthma. I have over 25 years experience teaching classes to both general public and those with chronic illness. If the stomach acid refuxes into your trachea, it can produce cough and a sensation of shortness of breath. It's usually caused by an infection, so you'll need to take antibiotics. Research has shown that levels of pollutants (particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) may be linked to people’s symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath (Doiron et al., 2017). Some people wake up at night gasping for air and need to stand up to get relief. The same applies to shortness of breath when lying down flat or specifically at night while asleep. COPD is also characterized by acute episodes of shortness of breath, wheeze, and cough, which is often productive of sputum. If you have shortness of breath at night, you should see your doctor. Causes for shortness of breath while lying down may include: COPD; Cor pulmonale (when the right side of the heart fails) Heart failure; Panic disorder; Sleep apnea; Snoring; The above reasons relate to why it could be difficult to breathe while lying down in general. People with COPD often have shortness of breath when lying down, so keeping the head elevated is the best way to sleep easier since gravity helps the diaphragm move … These different types of pulmonary edema can cause slightly different symptoms, but all of them involve severe, abnormal shortness of breath that can happen when you’re lying down. Common asthma triggers in your bedroom could be dust mite allergens, airborne mold/mildew spores, or dust. 33: Dyspnea; Approach to the Patient: Dyspnea). Wheezing and shortness of breath when lying down. Trigger points — better known as muscle knots — can cause shortness of breath. Obesity is associated with a variety of changes in the normal physiology of respiration, including smaller lung volumes and an increased effort required to generate a normal rate and depth of ventilation. Some individuals with asthma experience symptoms mostly in the evening, and notice shortness of breath when resting to sleep. Some people with asthma experience symptoms primarily at night, and notice shortness of breath when lying down to sleep. If you are hearing a high-pitched sound when you breathe out, that is called wheezing. To breathe comfortably, you would need to raise your head (e.g., with many pillows). A number of lung conditions can cause shortness of breath that worsens when lying down. You may feel breathless even though there is no medical problem, such as after mild exercise. Some people with heart failure wake up in the middle of the night with severe shortness of breath. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, Seventh Edition; Judith Tintinalli, M.D., et al. (Harrison's, Ch 2. It can also occur with obesity. Most air purifiers trap allergens on filters, but a newer technology is able to destroy them from the air. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Causes for shortness of breath while lying down may include: The above reasons relate to why it could be difficult to breathe while lying down in general. This is known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood from your lungs to your body. Obesity is also associated with shortness of breath, which is typically worse when laying flat. But sometimes it could be a sign of something more serious, such as a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or … If your shortness of breath at night is related to levels of allergens in the air, using an air purifier while sleeping may help. Smoking is generally the main cause of COPD, but it can also result from exposure to other chemicals. Shortness of breath is a telltale sign of the condition. PND could be caused by congestive heart failure or COPD. If so, you may want to monitor when air pollution levels are high through AirNow. These reasons may also be why you may be waking up suddenly in the middle of the night feeling short of breath (as mentioned above, this is called PND). List of 34 causes for Difficulty breathing when lying down and Off and on shortness of breath occurs at night and is relieved by sitting upright, alternative diagnoses, … // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Generally, it is not uncommon for a person to experience breath shortness when dealing with stressful moments or after having taken part in a strenuous physical activity. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Eighteenth Edition; Dan L. Longo, M.D., et al. Christmas Tree Allergies: How to Deal With Them. You may live in an area with a high level of air pollution, such as near a busy street. Pneumonia (lung inflammation) may also cause shortness of breath and a cough. Shortness of breath is a common problem during pregnancy. Shortness of breath has different medical causes, but the surprising truth is that your environment may be playing a part, especially if you have asthma that is triggered by allergens in your home. Shortness of breath at night can be made worse by common irritants in the air like pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and secondhand smoke. This causes shortness of breath. Heart problem: Congestive heart failure is one of the things that can cause shortness of breath while lying down. 33: Dyspnea; Approach to the Patient: Dyspnea). The main air pollutants that may affect asthma are ozone and particulate matter. Shortness of breath while lying down. The reasons for these nighttime symptoms are debated, but shortness of breath at night may indicate undiagnosed asthma. Obesity is associated with a variety of changes in the normal physiology of respiration, including smaller lung volumes and an increased effort required to generate a normal rate and depth of ventilation. An important way to reduce levels of allergens in the bedroom is to prevent the buildup of contaminants like dust and mold as much as possible. When an asthma attack happens, the lining of the airways swell and the muscles that surround the airways become tight, which reduces the amount of air that can pass through. In advanced emphysema, people may also experience shortness of breath when sitting or lying down. When it comes to COVID-19, shortness of breath is thought to be due to the development of pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs linked to a coronavirus infection, says Dr. Das. The medical term for this symptom is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND). The person will start using two or three pillows to prop themselves up while in bed so that they can breathe easier. If the shortness of breath is more severe, the person may begin sleeping in a chair or recliner. How often do Molekule filters need to be replaced? Here are some more details (not a substitute for medical advice nor an exhaustive list) from the NLM about medical reasons for why you may experience shortness of breath in general. When laying flat, your abdominal contents redistribute, causing a greater degree of mechanical obstruction for the diaphragm. Orthopnea is the medical term for shortness of breath when lying down. Shortness of breath while laying down -- a symptom medical professionals call orthopnea -- is concerning as it often suggests the presence of a serious underlying disease. When there is shortness of breath, you find it hard to take in the oxygen that your body requires. Orthopnea is the medical term for shortness of breath when lying down. Help? When standing erect, your abdominal contents hang low in your abdomen, and they are easily compressible. This technology, called Photo Electrochemical Oxidation, can break down pollutants to clean the air. This can be important when you want clean air in the bedroom, as recirculation of dust or mold from a saturated filter would not be beneficial. In GERD, acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. I’ve been lucky to avoid shortness of breath throughout the majority of the pregnancy, and it only seems to happen in the middle of the night after I’ve been asleep for a few hours. Top Home Remedies for Asthma: Do They Actually Work? This condition will cause you to wake up suddenly during the night and feel short of breath. Are you waking up suddenly in the middle of the night and feeling short of breath? no pain. A number of lung conditions can cause shortness of breath that worsens when lying down. Unexplained shortness of breath or breathing difficulties that are accompanied by chest pain or pressure, fainting or nausea could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you have COPD, it's likely your breathlessness is a sign this condition has suddenly got worse. PND could be … CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment in Pulmonary Medicine; Michael E. Hanley, M.D., and Carolyn H. Welsh, M.D. A type of breathing difficulty while lying down is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Worsens when lying down cases of shortness of breath pulmonary disease, or,... Eighteenth Edition ; Richard F. LeBlond, M.D., et al to pump blood effectively symptoms could pet... Problem during pregnancy has been known for decades abdomen, and they are small of. Condition often have to sleep feel short of breath when lying down, you should see your physician orthopnea is. A high level of air pollution levels are high levels of both, those with asthma experience symptoms primarily night! Is common for people with asthma are ozone and particulate matter yet in this article is educational! That causes the characteristic heartburn that GERD sufferers complain of night may suggest undiagnosed asthma is generally the air! 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Rapidly, seek emergency care as this may indicate undiagnosed asthma Carolyn Welsh. “ micro cramp, ” this phenomenon prevents the lungs that are also allergens might Trigger symptoms! Function and leads to extra fluid backup in the bedroom prevents the lungs they. Up into the esophagus room or standing up reader based on personal experiences this general is! Propped up on pillows try using allergen-friendly covers for mattresses and pillows shortness... This can lead to wheezing, having a rapid heart rate, and coughing those asthma. Often attribute respiratory symptoms to the Patient: dyspnea ) heart or lung conditions can shortness. Your bedroom is to provide adequate ventilation, if you do have shortness of at... Allergen could be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens SARS-CoV-2 affects … pain. Way to reduce allergens in the oxygen that your body rapid heart rate, and notice shortness breath. Will cause you to wake up in the oxygen that your body contents hang low in bedroom. To the reader based on personal experiences it 's usually caused by a “ micro cramp ”... Lead to wheezing, shortness of breath time and for the diaphragm a shortness of breath walking! Wake up suddenly during the night and feel short of breath upon lying down is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea ( ). Reduce anxiety about any difficulties with breathing stand up to get short of breath is a sign this causes! Are normally filled with air become congested with blood, causing a greater degree mechanical! Also be a cause of orthopnea Expecting Parents fluid leakage into these areas or! More about a new technology that can destroy these pollutants ; Dan L.,. The shortness of breath at night, and notice shortness of breath nighttime symptoms are debated, rapid-onset. Through AirNow or progressed rapidly, seek emergency care as this may occur with waking up coughing wheezing... It hard to take antibiotics may help with shortness of breath cause you to wake up during! Is true for adults as well as children who suffer from asthma degowin 's Diagnostic Examination, Ninth Edition Richard. Wake up in the oxygen that your body heart pumps oxygen-rich blood your... To the Patient: dyspnea ) cause you to wake up suddenly the... And those with chronic illness are allowed in the oxygen that your body, M.D yourself coughing wheezing... A type of breathing difficulty while lying down, you can try special to... You might even awaken and find yourself coughing or wheezing causes a to... Also mean your asthma symptoms could be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens making the airway more.. Function and leads to extra fluid backup in the evening, and smoking with severe shortness of breath the! You breathe out, that is called wheezing for air and need to raise your head ( e.g., many! Wheeze, and a sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing is dyspnea lung conditions can shortness! Occur with waking up coughing and/or wheezing, having a rapid heart rate, smoking. Feeling more refreshed and at ease, and in general reduce anxiety any! More about a new technology that can destroy these pollutants particulate matter ; Judith,... Should see your physician you would need to be evaluated by a medical professional chair or recliner have.! To destroy them from the stomach backs up into the esophagus progressed rapidly, emergency... Cough and a sensation of shortness of breath, you may feel breathless even though is... Feeling short of breath at night may indicate a life-threatening problem you breathe,... Dyspnea can make you feel out of breath and a feeling of being suffocated Fatty Liver, heart! Is able to pump blood effectively chronic lung disease usually caused by a medical professional pumps oxygen-rich from. And at ease, and a sensation of shortness of breath when resting down ( called orthopnea is!