![]() ![]() Alternatively, a person could try placing foam wedges underneath the mattress or raising the head of the bed using wooden blocks. A simple way to do this is to prop up the upper body with pillows. Some people may be able to relieve symptoms temporarily by sleeping in a more elevated position. The purpose of orthopnea treatment is to ease the symptoms and address the underlying cause. Doctors use them to check for signs of a wide range of conditions. Blood tests: These involve taking a small sample of a person’s blood.Arterial blood gas: This is a type of blood test that checks whether a person is getting enough oxygen.A doctor can use the results to determine how well the lungs are functioning. Pulmonary function tests: These tests include spirometry, which involves breathing into a machine.Doctors use this test to check for any problems with this organ. Echocardiogram: Also known as an “echo,” this is a type of ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart.Doctors use an ECG to check the functioning of the heart. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test involves placing sensors on a person’s skin to measure electrical signals from the heart. ![]() This allows the doctor to see if there are any problems with the lungs or heart. X-ray or CT scan of the chest: These tests create an image of the inside of the chest.They will also ask about other symptoms and review the person’s medical history.ĭepending on the suspected cause, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests: The doctor may begin with a physical examination to check the severity and timing of the breathing difficulties. Fluid in the alveoli can interfere with this gaseous exchange, preventing a person from getting enough oxygen around their body.Īs orthopnea is typically a symptom of another condition, such as heart failure, a doctor will focus on trying to identify the underlying cause. Here, oxygen passes from the lungs into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the lungs. The alveoli are small air sacs in the lungs. The increased pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs can push fluid into the alveoli, causing a condition known as pulmonary edema. Heart disease may make the heart unable to redistribute blood and other bodily fluids effectively while a person is lying down. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Several other conditions can also cause orthopnea, including: Orthopnea is often a symptom of conditions that affect the functioning of the lungs.
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