What Is Orthopnea?

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By elizabeth
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Reviewed: dr. vanta
Article Sources Article Sources
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  • 3. Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC; Martin J. Gabica, MD; E. Gregory Thompson, MD; Adam Husney, MD; Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC: 'Heart Failure Symptoms.' UMHS Michigan Medicine, August 31, 2020, https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tx4082abc
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Medical Expert Medical Expert

4. Diagnosis

Because orthopnea is both a condition and a symptom of a medical problem, diagnosis of this breathing issue is fairly simple. Essentially, the patient’s description of their breathing difficulties is enough information for a physician to diagnose orthopnea.

One key criterion is that shortness of breath occurs when the individual lies down and goes away when the individual sits up or stands. Another condition for diagnosis is that the issues happen right away or very soon after reclining.

Orthopnea

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