10 Pulmonary Edema Symptoms
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Symptom #10: Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down
Difficulty breathing when lying down or as it is otherwise known as orthopnea is a symptom characteristic of chronic pulmonary edema. Often patients with orthopnea need to use two or three pillows when lying down or sleeping. Some even choose to sleep on recliners as sleeping in a bed becomes impossible.
Also, patients with chronic pulmonary edema tend to wake up at night suddenly grasping for air, a condition which is otherwise known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This lack of oxygen can cause significant distress leading to real respiratory crisis and even feeling unable to breathe properly.
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