Orthopnea history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Patients with orthopnoea often complain of waking up suddenly during the night ‘unable to breathe‘ if they have slipped down from their pillows into the supine position. They may run to the window to ‘get some air’.

Medical history questions may include:

• Did this problem develop suddenly or slowly?
• Is it getting worse (progressive)?
• How bad is it?
• How many pillows does the patient need to help make breathing comfortable?
• Is there any ankle, feet, or leg swelling?
• Does the patient have difficulty breathing at other times?
• How tall is the patient? How much does the patient weigh?
• What other symptoms does the patient have?

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