A patient presents with shortness of breath and difficulty breathing while supine. This condition is known as?

The condition where a patient experiences shortness of breath and difficulty breathing while in a supine position is known as orthopnea. This symptom is commonly associated with heart failure, where lying flat increases venous return to the heart and exacerbates pulmonary congestion. Orthopnea specifically refers to the dyspnea (difficulty breathing) that occurs when a person is lying down and is relieved upon sitting or standing up. Identifying orthopnea is crucial as it can indicate underlying cardiovascular issues, prompting further assessment and management.

Other conditions such as asthma attacks, pneumothorax, and bronchitis have different presentations and mechanisms. Asthma attacks might cause breathlessness but are not specifically related to body position. A pneumothorax could lead to sudden shortness of breath regardless of position, typically associated with sharp chest pain. Bronchitis usually involves chronic coughing and mucus production but does not directly link to difficulty breathing when supine. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing orthopnea accurately as a significant symptom reflective of whether a cardiac condition may be present.