Having difficulty breathing when lying down to sleep, but no problem when sitting.

Feb 20, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Guo Xiheng

Introduction

Breathing difficulties when lying down during sleep, but no issues when sitting, may be caused by tracheal spasm following bronchitis. In such cases, use budesonide and formoterol powder for inhalation as directed by a physician to relieve discomfort. If the cause is emphysema, where the diaphragm compresses lung tissue when lying flat, albuterol aerosol can be used to dilate the bronchi. If the condition stems from coronary heart disease causing restricted gas exchange in the lungs when supine, treatment with isosorbide mononitrate tablets is required to alleviate symptoms.

Difficulty breathing while lying down during sleep, which resolves when sitting up, may be caused by conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It is recommended to seek treatment targeting the underlying cause.

1. Bronchitis

When bronchitis occurs, inflammatory stimulation causes tracheal spasms, reducing ventilation. Lying down further restricts chest cavity expansion, leading to inadequate airflow. It is recommended to use medications such as budesonide/formoterol powder inhaler, fluticasone propionate aerosol, or terbutaline sulfate aerosol under medical guidance to relieve discomfort caused by tracheal spasms.

2. Emphysema

In patients with emphysema, airway damage in the lungs leads to breathing difficulties when lying flat, as the diaphragm elevates and compresses lung tissue. It is recommended to use medications such as salbutamol aerosol, salmeterol xinafoate aerosol, or glycopyrronium bromide/formoterol inhalation aerosol under medical supervision to dilate the bronchi and facilitate smoother airflow.

3. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

In patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, lying flat impedes blood return from the lungs to the heart, causing pulmonary congestion and limiting gas exchange. It is recommended to take medications such as isosorbide mononitrate tablets, nitroglycerin tablets, or clopidogrel hydrochloride tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

In addition, acute myocardial infarction could also be a possible cause. Any occurrence of such symptoms should be taken seriously and evaluated promptly to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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