What is the Difference Between Orthopnea and PND?

Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) are both conditions that involve shortness of breath, but they have distinct characteristics:

Orthopnea:

• Occurs when lying down and is relieved by sitting or standing.
• Can happen anytime a person is lying down, even if they are awake.
• Usually associated with a buildup of fluid in the lungs when a person lies down.
• Common symptom of PND and heart failure.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND):

• Occurs a few hours after a person falls asleep.
• Patient is awakened by a sensation of shortness of breath.
• Usually relieved in the upright position.
• Considered abnormal and could be a sign of a health condition, such as heart failure or pulmonary edema.

In summary, orthopnea is a sensation of breathlessness in the recumbent position, while PND is a sensation of shortness of breath that awakens the patient, often after 1 or 2 hours of sleep. Both conditions are associated with heart failure, but PND is considered more abnormal and may be indicative of a more severe health condition.

Comparative Table: Orthopnea vs PND

Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) are two different types of breathing problems that involve shortness of breath. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

In summary, orthopnea is a shortness of breath that occurs while lying down and is relieved by changing positions, while PND is a shortness of breath that occurs suddenly during sleep and is relieved by adopting an upright position. Both conditions can be indicative of underlying health issues, such as heart failure or pulmonary edema.