Platypnea refers to the rare condition of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing that occurs when standing up or sitting that is relieved by lying flat. Platypnea is less common than orthopnea, which refers to shortness of breath when lying down that is relieved by assuming an upright position. Other associated signs and symptoms depend on the cause of platypnea and can include
- general shortness of breath,
- cough, and
- low oxygen saturation (orthodeoxia) when standing.
The cause of platypnea is not well understood. It is thought to arise from conditions that cause shifts in the normal pattern of blood flow between the arterial and the venous circulation, such as septal defects in the heart or hepatopulmonary syndrome. Sometimes, people with severe diseases of the lung develop platypnea due to a mismatch between ventilated areas of the lung and areas that are reached by the circulation (ventilation-perfusion mismatch).
Other causes of platypnea
- Atrial Septal Defect
- Hepatopulmonary Syndrome
- Intracardiac Shunt
- Patent Foramen Ovale
- Pericardial Effusion
- Post-Pneumonectomy
QUESTION
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the same as adult-onset asthma. See Answer
Causes of Platypnea
-
Arteriovenous Malformation
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disorder of blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord that is characterized by a complex, tangled web of abnormal arteries and veins connected by one or more fistulas (abnormal communications). Symptoms of arteriovenous malformations include seizures and headaches. Treatment of arteriovenous malformations include medication or surgery.
-
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung condition caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, and/or air pollutants. Conditions that accompany COPD include chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. Treatment of COPD includes GOLD guidelines, smoking cessation, medications, and surgery. The life expectancy of a person with COPD depends on the stage of the disease.
-
Emphysema
Emphysema is a COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that often occurs with other obstructive pulmonary problems and chronic bronchitis. Causes of emphysema include chronic cigarette smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and in the underdeveloped parts of the world. Symptoms of emphysema include chronic cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, and wheezing. Treatments include medication and lifestyle changes.
-
What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a progressive lung disease. There is no known cause of IPF. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, mild fevers, muscle pain, clubbing fingers, and ankle swelling. Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is directed at managing symptoms. The life expectancy is about 2 to 5 years.
From 
Lung Disease/COPD Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Allergy and Asthma Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.