orthopnea

[Fanfab1]

hello

Does anyone experience Orthopnea?

another night last night of two “rounds” of falling asleep and waking up coughing like mad and struggling to get full breathes and chest pressure (my angina goes chest pain (central / upper) first then breathlessness etc but on exertion not rest) and feeling like someone sitting on chest. It feel difficult to breathe and there’s a distinct wheezing sound on the out breathe. It’s only till I sit up or stand up it relieves but when lie back down the chest pressure and difficulty breathing continues for a while. But I guess I eventually fall asleep. last night happened twice so not much sleep at all. The cough is exhausting and nearly brings me to throwing up. The heart - pounding / jittering away but that’s most nights.

I looked up “coughing and breathlessness while lying down” and some credible information immediately came up with Orthopnea to which I thought wow what I get is a real thing?

I have an overnight sleep test later but I’m apprehensive of asking about Orthopnea as sometimes I sense NHS staff take offence at attempts seen as self diagnosis. But I will explain what happens last night and last few nights. Inhaler doesn’t seem to help. I don’t think it’s the asthma as I’m fine in day regards cough. My breathing in day is only affected when get the angina.

If your still reading, I’d like to hear about anyone’s experiences of Orthopnea and any link to heart issues as info mentioned can be related.

Whatever tests show or don’t, I know what I feel is real. Respiratory doctor said if they can’t find a problem via sleep test then it could be my heart issue which is untreatable so I feel I will be up a creek without a paddle again.

Thanks

[Collectone]

I had similar symptoms .My Cardiologist sent me for spirometry test for astma and is showed copd .I was surprised as I thought all my symptoms were due to my heart condition .Especially the wheezing on the out breath.

[Fanfab1 in reply to Collectone]

Thank you for your response, I’m feeling quite alone in this.

I’ve always thought my asthma tends to show itself as a cough but GP is content with my having a brown inhaler and that’s should sort it. But it’s not.

So it’s either the respiratory consultant (sleep tests) or cardiologist that could have an answer. I have a cardiologist appointment coming up next week so I will mention. And seeing respiratory consultant in august who already said if they don’t find anything then probably heart! At least I’ll know who to pursue!

I think being able to get a good nights sleep would go along way to help with coping with my untreatable angina.

👍

[fishonabike]

orthopnea is fairly common in people with breathing or heart issues, but that does not make it less disteressing

this may sound obvious but have you tried sleeping on pillows which lift your head and shoulders a bit?

my experience, as a nurse and with my own breathing issues, taught me to sleep in a half lying (semi-recumbent) position, well supported with pillows - this eases the pressure on the lungs, and allows you to breathe in and out more easily

[Fanfab1 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you for that advice, it is distressing the feelings I get.

I have an adjustable bed as I used to try to use multiple pillows, I could raise the back bit higher than I do that might help. 👍