What is the medical term for shortness of breath when lying flat?

The medical term for shortness of breath when lying flat is orthopnea. This condition is commonly associated with heart failure or pulmonary issues, where patients find it difficult to breathe comfortably in a supine position. As they sit up or elevate their upper body, their respiration often improves. Recognizing orthopnea is an important aspect of patient assessment, as it can indicate underlying cardiovascular or respiratory problems that require urgent attention.

Other terms provided do not relate to shortness of breath in this specific context. Palpitations refer to an awareness of heartbeats, which might occur alongside breathing issues but do not describe difficulty breathing itself. Lymphadenopathy refers to swollen lymph nodes, indicating possible infection or malignancy but is not linked to the positional challenge of breathing. Hemothorax describes the presence of blood in the pleural cavity, which can cause difficulty breathing but is not specifically related to the position of the body during respiration.