Why Does My Throat Feel Tight When I Lay Down?

Why does my throat feel like it’s closing when I lay down?

What is Sleep Apnea? – Obstructive Sleep Apnea is very common and affects millions of Americans. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. Sleep is fragmented and of poor quality.

Loud snoring, snorting and periods of silence are typical symptoms of sleep apnea but are not always present, especially in children. Sleep Apnea is a serious, potentially life threatening condition that is far more common than generally understood. There are two types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive.

Central sleep apnea, which is less common, occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to initiate respirations. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common and occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person’s nose or mouth, although efforts to breathe continue.

• In a given night, the number of involuntary breathing pauses or “apneic events” may be as high as 20 to 30 or more per hour.
• These breathing pauses are almost always accompanied by snoring between apnea episodes, although not everyone who snores has this condition.
• Sleep apnea can also be characterized by choking sensations.

The frequent interruptions of deep, restorative sleep often lead to the early morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness. Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea is important because it may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

When should I be worried about throat tightness?

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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Tightness in the throat can stem from an allergy, anxiety, thyroid problems, and various other health issues. It may be constant or intermittent, and it can range from mild to severe.

How do you relax a tight throat?

Relaxing the tongue and larynx – The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) suggests yawning while inhaling, then releasing with a sigh. This can relax the muscles in the throat. If it is helpful, people can place a finger on the bump of cartilage in the throat, known as the Adam’s apple, as they practice this exercise.

Is throat tightness serious?

Call your doctor if the tightness in your throat doesn’t go away or comes with symptoms like: A lump or mucous in your throat. Bad taste in your throat. Burping.

Why does my throat feel weird at night?

A sore throat at night could also be caused by allergies, dry air in the bedroom, indoor air pollution or smoking. Another less common cause of this condition is a group A Streptococcus bacterial infection, otherwise known as strep throat.

Why do I feel like I cant swallow at night?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – GERD, also known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a common condition of the digestive tract. In GERD, the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus is too weak to stay closed as tightly as it should. This causes regurgitation of your stomach acid, which can cause a burning sensation in your chest or the back of your throat.

• The acid can irritate your throat and make it hurt.
• It can also damage the tissue in both your throat and esophagus.
• GERD tends to be worse right after meals or at bedtime, as lying down flat can encourage reflux.
• If you’re experiencing a recurring sore throat at night, it’s possible you might have GERD.

Besides sore throat, some common complaints related to GERD include:

difficulty swallowingregurgitating stomach acid or small amounts of stomach contentsgetting a sour taste in your mouthheartburn or discomfort in your chestburning and irritation in your upper middle stomach

Why does my throat feel tight but doesn’t hurt?

Summary – A tight throat can make you feel like you can’t swallow or like you need to keep clearing your throat. If you have a tight throat along with other symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care at once.

Is my throat closing or is it anxiety?

Panic attack – A panic attack is related to stress and anxiety. The sensation that your throat is tightening — even to the point of making it difficult to breathe — is one of the classic signs of a panic attack. Other signs and symptoms include:

accelerated heart rate chest painsweating nausea dizziness chills or heat sensationsshaking fear of dying

What is cobblestone throat?

“Cobblestone throat” describes bumps on the back of the throat alongside soreness and irritation. Causes include allergies, postnasal drip and viral infections, such as flu. Cobblestone throat is a term to describe bumps on the back of the throat that resemble the texture of a cobblestone street.

1. It can cause the throat to feel swollen, irritated, or itchy.
2. It is sometimes possible to treat cobblestone throat with home remedies.
3. However, it is best to consult a doctor for advice and treatment if symptoms persist.
4. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of cobblestone throat and how doctors diagnose it.

For some people, cobblestone throat does not cause symptoms. However, people may develop cobblestone throat when they have symptoms of other conditions, such as heartburn or allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. The characteristic symptoms of cobblestone throat are bumps and swelling at the back of the throat, glands, or mouth.

difficulty swallowing sore throathoarse voicefrequently needing to clear the throat of mucusfeeling like something is stuck in the throat bad breath

In cobblestone throat, polygonal cells bulge out from the soft tissue lining the pharynx or behind the tonsils. The cells swell in reaction to an irritant, such as allergens or infection. Postnasal drip (PND), which is excess nose and throat mucus, often causes cobblestone throat.

1. Postnasal drip occurs when the nose produces too much mucus, or the mucus becomes too thick.
2. It then runs through the nose or down the back of the throat, known as the nasopharynx, which can cause irritation.
3. Another common cause of cobblestone throat is pharyngitis, most often due to a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu,

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore throat. Some other viruses that can cause pharyngitis and cobblestone throat include:

coronavirus rhinovirus adenovirus chickenpox Epstein-Barr virus

Less commonly, the cause of pharyngitis and cobblestone throat is a bacterial infection, such as group A streptococcus, also known as strep throat, Other causes of cobblestone throat include:

Allergies : Breathing in allergens such as pet dander, pollen, and mold spores can irritate the throat. Silent reflux : Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing throat irritation and damage.

It is important to consult a doctor if additional symptoms accompany a sore throat, Cobblestone throat is not typically a symptom of cancer, A doctor will usually be able to diagnose cobblestone throat, and its cause, by performing a physical examination.

1. They will check the throat for signs of infection or swelling.
2. If a doctor concludes that cobblestone throat is not due to a viral infection, they may order other tests, such as a blood test and a throat culture, which involves using a swab to test for bacteria and less common viruses.
3. A doctor may also ask questions about how long the throat has been sore and whether the patient has allergies or a history of conditions such as acid reflux,

Learn how to tell whether a sore throat is due to an allergy or a cold, Treatment for cobblestone throat depends on the underlying cause. For bacterial infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which kill bacteria and prevent them from reproducing.

How long does globus sensation last?

What are other symptoms of globus pharyngeus? – Patients often find it difficult to find the right words to describe the feeling in their throat. It is often described as the feeling of a lump, but can also be described as ‘a strange feeling’; a tight feeling; a sensation of constriction around the neck.

1. These are all classical symptoms of a condition that comes under various names but is commonly called globus, or globus pharyngeus or globus sensation.
2. What is important to remember, is that it is a feeling or sensation of a lump, rather than an actual lump.
3. The symptoms of globus vary from person to person, however, in most cases, the symptoms tend to fluctuate in severity.

Although the symptoms can be present for months, or even years, the symptoms do not usually get progressively worse. A common feature is that the feeling of a lump improves whilst eating, which is due to the reflex relaxation of the sphincter at the top of the food pipe whilst swallowing.

An unreliable voice is a common associated symptom. This is because the voice is also powered by muscles, which commonly tighten up under the influence of stress, this can give rise to a condition called a ‘muscle tension dysphonia’. Another common feature is that if you focus on the feeling, it tends to return, that is to say, if you look for the symptom, you will find it.

Sometimes people will ‘test’ the lump, and notice it is present when swallowing saliva, but better when eating. In about 70% of cases the symptoms are intermittent. Globus is caused by tightening of the muscles in the upper part of the gullet (oesophagus) and throat.

• One of the most relevant muscles is the cricopharyngeus muscle which forms part of the sphincter mechanism at the top of the gullet.
• This muscle is there to prevent the contents of your stomach coming into your throat and into your windpipe, and so to stop you choking.
• There are some common reasons why the throat muscles can tighten up, and sometimes there is more than one cause.

The first is stress or anxiety. This is an increasingly common problem in the 21st century. Stress and anxiety can give rise to a host of different physical symptoms all over the body. It’s common for people to have stiff necks, which whilst unpleasant, doesn’t usually give rise to further anxiety as it is well-recognised that a stiff neck can be caused by stress.

It isn’t so well known that it can also cause tightening of the muscles in the front part of the neck, around the throat and voice box. An example of this in action is if you go to a funeral or watch a sad film. This will cause most people to get a lump in their throat – it is an example of stress or emotion causing a physical symptom (actual tightening of the muscles in the throat).

Most people don’t worry about it when this occurs, as they correctly make the connection between the emotion and the feeling in the throat. However, if people don’t make the association, for example, if the tightening is caused by a passing stressful thought or experience, then it can make people wonder why they have a lump in their throat.

The sequence of thoughts, particularly if you are prone to worry, often goes along the following lines: I’ve got a lump in my throat, I wonder why? Could it be caused by a lump or blockage? What causes lumps and blockages? Could I have a tumour or growth or cancer? Most people will rationalise with themselves and correctly say, well that’s most unlikely, however, the subtext of that thought is that it could be.

The concern regarding cancer, even if unlikely, will cause the tightening to persist and sometimes worsen, reinforcing the concern that something unpleasant is going on, leading to a self-reinforcing downward spiral. Another common cause is laryngopharyngeal reflux, which is sometimes called silent reflux.

• This occurs when the secretions of the stomach come back up the gullet or food pipe and cause irritation at the back of the throat.
• It commonly gives rise to a globus type sensation, but can also cause persistent throat-clearing, a husky voice, sore throat, cough and several other symptoms.
• It can be difficult to diagnose, as people often have no other symptoms of classical reflux such as indigestion or heartburn, hence its name silent reflux.

Most of the time the irritation is due to the acidic nature of the secretions, although sometimes it is thought to be caused by the enzymes that help break down food in your stomach. Occasionally mucus dripping down the back of the nose (also called a postnasal drip) can cause these symptoms.

What is a stress lump in the throat?

How to Get Rid of the Lump In Your Throat Permanently – For better or worse, there is no rapid cure for the lump in your throat. It’s caused by stress and anxiety, and only by relieving that anxiety will the lump in your throat ultimately go away. But don’t be too worried—anxiety commonly creates the feeling of having a globus sensation, and if you’re feeling stressed and anxious, then that is normal.

• Try calming yourself down, for now, using any safe coping strategies you’re used to, and focus on ways to cure your anxiety in the future.
• SUMMARY: Anxiety causes your muscles to tighten, including those in your neck.
• Combined with the sensitivity that many people have to the way their body feels with anxiety, it can make the lump feel severe.

It is not dangerous, but it is stressful, and only by eliminating anxiety can it be stopped. : How to Get Rid of the Anxiety Lump in Your Throat

How long can throat tightness last?

Does your throat feel tight or like you can’t swallow your food? Many things can cause this. Not all are serious. Let your doctor know right away if the tightness doesn’t go away or if you have any other symptoms with it. Depending on what’s causing the tightness in your throat, it might feel like:

Your throat is sore or burns. Your throat is swollen or closed up. You find it hard to swallow. You have a lump in your throat. You need to swallow often.

Heartburn or GERD Heartburn is a common problem that may cause tightness in your throat. Your throat can feel sore or burn. You might find it hard to swallow. It can last anywhere from minutes to hours. This condition happens when stomach acid rises in your esophagus and creeps into your throat.

• If this happens often, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD,
• You can get heartburn after you eat a big meal or if you lie down right after eating.
• Some foods and drinks can trigger it.
• This includes tomatoes, spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, or foods with lots of acid, like citrus.
• Stress, smoking, and obesity make it more likely that you’ll get it.

If heartburn causes your throat tightness, you might also have these symptoms:

Pain or burning in your chest after meals, when you lie down, or when you bend over Bitter, sour, or salty taste in your mouth A feeling like food is stuck in your throat or chest

To keep it from happening, avoid trigger foods. Stop eating at least 3 hours before you go to bed. It may help to raise the head of your bed 6 inches to keep stomach acid where it belongs while you sleep, When it does strike, you can try OTC (over-the-counter) antacids.

• For intense attacks or if it happens often, see your doctor.
• You may need prescription medication,
• For example, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help slow down your body’s production of stomach acid, while prokinetics and antibiotics speed up digestion to help your stomach get rid of waste after eating.

Be sure to ask your doctor about the possible side effects of these medicines, including nausea, diarrhea, and a loss of bone density. In some serious cases, your doctor might recommend surgery. Allergic reaction Anaphylaxis is a fast, strong allergic reaction to something – often a food, drug, or insect sting,

Low blood pressure Trouble breathing Dizziness or fainting Itchy mouth, eyes, or throat Hives or rash Pale or bluish skin Stomach pain or vomiting

If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away. Your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine self-injection pen to keep on hand if you know you have any allergies that could cause anaphylaxis. Remember that you’ll still need to call 911 right away after you use it.

The medicine can wear off, or you could have a second reaction. Tonsillitis If you still have your tonsils, you can get tonsillitis, That’s when tonsils become inflamed because of an infection from viruses or bacteria. Tonsillitis makes your tonsils swell and hurt. Your throat feels very sore. You may find it hard to swallow.

Lymph nodes in your throat and neck can swell up too. If tonsillitis is the cause of your tight throat, you may also have these symptoms:

Red throat Fever Hoarse voice White or yellowish patches on the back of your throat Headache Bad breath

If it’s caused by a viral infection, treat it with rest, warm liquids, throat lozenges, and gargles with saltwater to ease throat pain and tightness. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may ease fever and pain. If a bacterial infection is the cause, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics,

If it happens often or makes it hard for you to breathe, swallow food, or sleep, you may need surgery to remove your tonsils. Goiter A goiter is when your thyroid swells. This is a big, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat. It makes hormones that keep your metabolism in balance. When it gets bigger, it can make your throat feel tight and closed up.

A goiter can happen if you don’t get enough iodine in your diet, This mineral is an important part of your thyroid’s hormone production. Most people get enough iodine because it’s added to most table salt. It’s also found in seafood, seaweed, dairy products like yogurt or milk, and grains.

Lump in your neck that you can feel or see under the skin Problems swallowing Trouble breathing Cough Hoarse, scratchy voice

If you think you may have a goiter, see your doctor. Your doctor can feel your throat for any lumps and run tests to find the cause, such as:

Blood test to measure your thyroid hormone levels or spot any antibodies that suggest thyroid disease Ultrasound or scan of your thyroid Thyroid biopsy to draw out a fluid sample that’s sent to a lab for testing

Treatment of a goiter depends on the cause. If your case is mild and only causes a little swelling, you may just need to watch it. To get enough iodine, use iodized table salt and eat fresh fish or shellfish, or seaweed foods like sushi. Cut back on iodine if your doctor says you get too much.

Medications can either raise or lower your thyroid hormone levels to get them back to normal. This can reduce the swelling. If you have a very large goiter that makes it hard to breathe or swallow food, you can have surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid. Thyroid cancer is also treated with surgery.

Anxiety Some research shows that anxiety can be linked to feelings of tightness in your throat. For example, globus is the medical term for the feeling of a lump in your throat. People who have this almost always say it’s worse when they’re stressed or anxious.

This is at least in part because stress triggers muscle tension. Another condition related to tightness in your throat is dysphagia, which is when you have a hard time swallowing or feel like something is stuck in your throat. In one study, doctors were able to predict how severe participants’ dysphagia was based more on whether they said they had anxiety than on the standard physical exam and tests.

Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) This is when your voice gets strained because you’re having to put more pressure or effort into speaking because of an issue affecting your voice. It can make the muscles in your neck feel tense or tight when you talk. It also can make you sound gravely, hoarse, or raspy and make it hard or painful to speak.

A reaction to an upper respiratory infection Stomach acid working its way up to the throat (laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR) Secondhand smoke Overusing your voice Stress

Why does my throat feel full?

What Causes Globus Sensation? – Once upon a time, this condition was called globus hystericus, because doctors as far back as Hippocrates thought that people who experienced it were “hysterical.” Doctors now understand more about the causes of globus sensation, which can be both psychological and physical, and that the symptoms are very real.

• The most common causes of globus pharyngeus are anxiety and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a form of acid reflux that causes the stomach’s contents to travel back up the food pipe and sometimes into the throat.
• This can result in muscle spasms that trigger feelings of an object caught in the throat.

Other causes include:

Minor inflammation in the throat or at the back of the mouthPsychological health issues or mood changesSwallowing disorders

Why do I feel like I’m choking and can’t breathe?

What other symptoms might I have? – If your breathing problems are caused by a cold or chest infection, you might also have a cough, fever, sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose and general congestion. If the problem is to do with your heart, you might also have chest pain, feel light-headed and nauseous.

If you have been diagnosed with angina, take your medication as directed. Wait 5 minutes and take another dose. If the problem is asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you might also have a lot of mucous, a wheezing sound when you breathe, and your symptoms might get worse with exercise or during the night.

If the problem is a panic attack, you might also have a fast heartbeat, sweating and shaking, nausea, dizziness and a sense of impending doom or danger. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the breathing problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

Why is my throat so dry and hard to breathe at night?

A dry throat at night isn’t usually due to an underlying problem, especially if it only happens occasionally. But if your mouth or throat feels dry at night for an extended period of time, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as mouth breathing, allergies, or sleep apnea.

Why do I get a tickle in my throat when I lay down at night?

This sensation is known as postnasal drip syndrome and is caused by inflammation the upper respiratory tract. Many conditions can cause upper respiratory tract inflammation, with some of the most common being infections, allergies, or environmental irritants.

Why is my throat so dry even after drinking water at night?

Why is my throat always dry? There are several reasons why your throat might feel dry, even after you drink water. Your throat can be dry due to conditions including allergies, the common cold, dehydration, tonsillitis, and sleep apnea. These root causes must be addressed to cure dry throat.

Why is it hard to swallow while lying flat?

What are some problems caused by dysphagia? – Dysphagia can be serious. Someone who cannot swallow safely may not be able to eat enough of the right foods to stay healthy or maintain an ideal weight. Food pieces that are too large for swallowing may enter the throat and block the passage of air.

In addition, when foods or liquids enter the airway of someone who has dysphagia, coughing or throat clearing sometimes cannot remove it. Food or liquid that stays in the airway may enter the lungs and allow harmful bacteria to grow, resulting in a lung infection called aspiration pneumonia. Swallowing disorders may also include the development of a pocket outside the esophagus caused by weakness in the esophageal wall.

This abnormal pocket traps some food being swallowed. While lying down or sleeping, someone with this problem may draw undigested food into the throat. The esophagus may also be too narrow, causing food to stick. This food may prevent other food or even liquids from entering the stomach.

What is sleep dysphagia?

People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Have Dysphagia – There have been reports of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) in people with OSA, but the prevalence is wide, with a range from 16% to 78% (Bhutada et al., 2020). Common dysphagia findings were (Bhutada et al., 2020):

• delayed pharyngeal swallow response initiation (i.e., delayed swallow trigger),
• airway invasion (i.e., material penetrating into the top of the larynx or opening of the airway, which is called penetration; and dropping below the vocal cords, which is called aspiration ),
• pharyngeal residue (i.e., food sticking in the throat), and
• impaired respiratory-swallow coordination (i.e., if you are breathing quickly, it may be difficult to squeeze in a time to stop breathing in order to complete a swallow).

Why are these swallowing difficulties occuring in people with OSA? The postulated risk factors for dysphagia in OSA relate to the sensorimotor alterations of the upper airway caused by the following (Friberg et al., 1998):

• low-frequency vibrations,
• intermittent hypoxia,
• frequent stretching, and
• inflammation.

Reduced upper airway sensations in OSA have been observed (Wallace et al., 2022). Individuals with OSA had impaired upper airway sensation to airflow, chemical, tactile and vibratory stimuli compared to controls. They also demonstrated reduced taste and smell.

How do I get rid of Globus anxiety?

Reducing stress – Stress can increase your globus sensation. If you think you might be stressed, try to relax in a way that is doable for you and your situation. Breathing and relaxation exercises can sometimes help, but if you feel you need further help with managing stress, your GP can discuss this with you.

How do I stop my throat from closing when I sleep?

Treatment – Treatment helps keep your airway open while you sleep so your breathing does not stop. Lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms in people with mild sleep apnea, such as:

Avoid alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy before bedtime. They can make symptoms worse.Avoid sleeping on your back.Lose excess weight.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices work best to treat obstructive sleep apnea in most people.

You wear a mask over your nose or over your nose and mouth while you sleep.The mask is connected by a hose to a small machine that sits at the side of your bed.The machine pumps air under pressure through the hose and mask and into your airway while you sleep. This helps keep your airway open.

It can take some time to get used to sleeping with CPAP therapy. Good follow-up and support from a sleep center can help you overcome any problems using CPAP. Dental devices may help some people. You wear them in your mouth while you sleep to keep your jaw forward and the airway open.

Remove extra tissue at the back of the throat.Correct problems with the structures in the face.Create an opening in the windpipe to bypass the blocked airway if there are physical problems.Remove the tonsils and adenoids.Implant a pacemaker-like device that stimulates the muscles of the throat to stay open during sleep.

Surgery may not completely cure obstructive sleep apnea and may have long-term side effects.

How do you treat sleep related Laryngospasm?

Treatment – Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of your vocal cord spasms during sleep. To determine the type of treatment that will work best for your needs, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, as well as conduct additional tests to determine the most likely cause.

Why does my chest and throat feel weird when I lay down?

Skip to content When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more. Key Takeaways

• Orthopnea is shortness of breath while lying down that goes away when you stand or sit up.
• Orthopnea is commonly a symptom of a heart or lung condition.
• The cause of orthopnea is a buildup of excess fluid that increases pressure on the lungs.
• Treatment for orthopnea can include sleeping with the head and chest elevated, medication, and supplemental oxygen.

Orthopnea is a shortness of breath some people experience when lying down, which goes away once they return to an upright position. The definition of orthopnea comes from the Greek words for upright ( ortho ) and breath ( pnoea ). It’s often a sign of heart failure, but can be caused by other conditions, such as lung diseases, other heart conditions, and obesity.

• Dyspnea, which describes the sensation of difficult breathing, regardless of position
• Platypnea, which describes difficulty breathing when standing
• Trepopnea, which describes difficulty breathing when lying on the side

Orthopnea is also distinct from paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), a condition where the person experiences sudden difficulty breathing during sleep. Symptoms occur a few hours after the person has fallen asleep, and the sudden shortness of breath wakes them up. If you have orthopnea, you may feel short of breath upon lying down. The sensation may come on instantly or develop gradually. You may also feel tightness or pain in your chest or experience additional symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or heart palpitations.

Once you stand or prop yourself up, your breathing improves, as do any other symptoms. The severity of orthopnea varies. Some people need just one pillow to prop themselves up and feel better, while others may need to sit fully upright or stand in order to feel relief. Some people with chronic heart failure may still exhibit symptoms of orthopnea even when sitting up, although they’ll feel better than they did when lying down.

Orthopnea itself is commonly a symptom of a heart or lung condition. Orthopnea occurs when there is a buildup of excess fluid that creates pressure around the lungs. When a person lies down, blood from the lower extremities is redistributed to the upper body, including the lungs, due to the effect of gravity.

• If their heart is healthy, it can handle this additional volume around the lungs and pump it out adequately.
• When the heart is weakened by heart failure or another condition, it’s not strong enough to perform this process effectively.
• The extra blood takes longer to get out of the heart, increasing pressure on the lungs.

Fluid may leak out from blood vessels into small air sacs in the lungs, causing what’s known as pulmonary edema, These sacs assist with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. When fluid builds up, it disrupts the exchange, making it harder for the lungs to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream.

• Heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Obesity
• Anxiety or panic disorder
• Pulmonary edema
• Pneumonia
• Sleep apnea
• Snoring

A doctor suspects orthopnea when a person experiences shortness of breath when lying down, and they exhibit other symptoms of one of the conditions commonly associated with orthopnea, such as heart failure, COPD, obesity, anxiety, or another heart or lung disease.

During your appointment, your doctor will ask you about the onset and timing of your symptoms, in order to distinguish orthopnea from another type of breathing difficulty. They will also ask you to describe the severity of your orthopnea; for example, they may ask how many pillows you need to use to feel relief.

The REAL Cause of a Constant Phlegmy (Mucus) Throat

If you haven’t yet been diagnosed with a related underlying condition, your doctor may order additional tests, such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, pulmonary function test, or blood test, to evaluate for potential causes. Treatments for orthopnea are focused on minimizing symptoms and treating the underlying cause.

1. Specific treatments for orthopnea include pillow positioning, supplemental oxygen, and medication.
2. Depending on the severity of the underlying condition, doctors may prescribe lifestyle changes, medications, medical devices, or surgery.
3. Propping yourself up with a pillow can help you breathe better by reducing fluid migration to the upper body.

You can also use an adjustable mattress to raise the head of the bed, or foam wedges underneath the mattress. A number of medications may be prescribed to improve orthopnea symptoms, including drugs that strengthen the heart, improve blood flow, or prevent fluid buildup or inflammation in the lungs.

For example, if you have orthopnea due to heart failure, your doctor may prescribe diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or beta-blockers, If your orthopnea is a symptom of COPD, your doctor may prescribe bronchodilators or inhaled steroids, Your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen, which can be provided through an at-home device or at a hospital.

If you regularly experience difficulty breathing, whether when lying down or doing something else, your doctor can help determine what’s causing your breathing problems and recommend appropriate therapies, such as lifestyle changes, medication, and other treatments. Written By