Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) is a sensation of shortness of breath that awakens the patient after 1 or 2 hours of sleep. The patient cannot get enough sleep and is usually relieved in the upright position.

And now we see all about Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

If you feel that you have difficulty breathing, that condition is known as dyspnea. This condition occurs most likely in people with heart or lung disease.
But every time it is not related to any disease condition, it can also feel after exercise, high altitude, tight clothing, prolonged periods of bed rest, and sedentary lifestyle.

The simple meaning of dyspnea is shortness of breath. It is also known as “air hunger,” and it is an uncomfortable feeling.

Dyspnea is also known as breathlessness. Dyspnea may cause problems such as

Constipation or poor nutrition,
Psychosocial problem related to poor self-esteem
Problems in carrying out activities of daily living.

Causes of dyspnea

Exercise
Traveling to high altitude
Prolong bed rest
Sedentary lifestyle
Going through significant temperature changes
Asthma
Heart problem
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
Interstitial lung disease,
Pneumonia
Psychogenic problems like anxiety

Types of Dyspnea

Acute Dyspnea

Acute dyspnea is defined as shortness of breath that starts suddenly.

Reasons for Acute Dyspnea

Asthma
Anxiety
Pneumonia
Inhaling something that blocks breathing passageways
Allergic reactions
Anemia
Severe loss of blood,
Exposure to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide
Heart failure
Low blood pressure
A blood clot in an artery
Collapsed lung
Hiatal hernia

Chronic Dyspnea

In Chronic Dyspnea, a person experiences shortness of breath for over a month or more.

Causes of Chronic Dyspnea

Asthmatic condition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Excessive weight gain
Sometimes specific lung condition and heart condition also leads to shortness of breath.
Inflammation or infection of the larynx and trachea
Traumatic lung injury
Cancer of the lung
Tuberculosis of the lung
Infection or inflammation of the lung tissues
Pulmonary edema
Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscles
Heart rhythm problems
Pericarditis
Heart problems

Symptoms of Chronic Dyspnea

Feeling suffocated as a result of breathing difficulties
labored breathing
Rapid and shallow breathing
Tightness in the chest
Increased heartbeats
Wheezing
Coughing

If Dyspnea occurs suddenly and symptoms are severe, it may signify a critical medical condition.

I have already covered: Asthma

Diagnosis of dyspnea

It is elementary for a doctor to diagnose dyspnea by completing a physical examination and deep history collection.
Chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia and pulmonary edema
Computed tomography (CT) images to rule out pulmonary embolism.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect heart problems
Spirometry tests (for lung capacity)

Here are 2 articles that you can refer to learn more about dyspnea

Getting enough sleep is essential if you crave to get rid of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea. The following products will help you fall asleep naturally. BUY NOW 👇

Nature Made

Nature Made Melatonin 10 mg Tablets, Naturally Helps You Fall Asleep Faster

Best Price

How to treat dyspnea

Treatments depend on the type and severity of symptoms
The treatment of shortness of breath depends on underlying causes
Give Oxygen to reduce the hypoxia
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Bronchodilators
Anti-bacterial to prevent bacterial infection
Anti anxiolytic drugs
some breathing techniques

Prevention

Avoid smoking
Avoid passive smokers
Reduce weight
Reduce the stress factors

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy is helping the patient to reduce the breathing problems;
Active-assisted cough techniques,
Volume augmentation such as breath stacking,
Education about body position and ventilation patterns
Movement strategies to facilitate breathing.

When to consult the doctor

Shortness of breath is not a common problem you have to consult with the doctor if you have
Swelling in the feet and ankles
Breathing difficulties
Whistling sound

Here are a few hand-picked guides for you to read next:

Conclusion

Heart failure is one of the most severe causes of PND. In addition, the course of the disease varies a lot from one person to the next. Heart failure is typically long-term and usually gets worse over time, but several available treatments can slow down its progression and help to prevent acute dyspnea episodes.

Other conditions that cause PND include asthma, stomach acid reflux, or sleep apnea, generally highly treatable. However, if you experience PND, you should make an appointment with a doctor to identify the cause.

Also remember to seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe shortness of breath or chest pain.

Still have any questions about dyspnea? Ask in the comment section!

Also, Don’t forget to share this post!

Sharing is caring ❤

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea Definition and All About Dyspnea

Table of Contents