Platypnea

Platypnea is a medical condition characterized by shortness of breath (dyspnea) that is relieved when lying down, and worsens when standing or sitting up. It is the opposite of orthopnea.

Causes

Platypnea can be caused by several conditions, including:

• Hepatopulmonary syndrome: This is a condition that affects the lungs in people with advanced liver disease. It can cause platypnea due to the formation of microscopic blood vessels that can bypass the normal lung circulation, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood.

• Atrial septal defect: This is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. It can cause platypnea due to the abnormal flow of blood from the right side of the heart to the left, bypassing the lungs.

• Constrictive pericarditis: This is a condition where the pericardium, the sac-like covering around the heart, becomes thickened and rigid. It can cause platypnea due to the restriction of heart function.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of platypnea involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as various tests such as:

• Pulse oximetry: This is a test that measures the oxygen level in the blood.

• Echocardiogram: This is a type of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart.

• Cardiac catheterization: This is a procedure used to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions.

Treatment

The treatment of platypnea depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Oxygen therapy: This involves breathing in pure oxygen to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood.

• Medications: Certain medications may be used to treat the underlying cause of platypnea.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct the underlying cause of platypnea.

See also

• Dyspnea
• Orthopnea
• Hepatopulmonary syndrome
• Atrial septal defect
• Constrictive pericarditis