How Can Breathlessness, Anxiety Attacks And Difficulty In Supine Position Be Treated?

Posted on Tue, 20 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 Answered on

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband got vertigo,then bells palsy,now is suffering with not being able to lay down to sleep.He says he cant breathe,then because of that suffers from anxiety attacks. What can we do?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

He is having orthopnea so first rule out heart diseases.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your husband seems to be suffering with orthopnea ( breathing difficulty in supine position - sleeping).

In this case, we should definitely rule out heart diseases first. I would suggest getting ECG and 2d echo done.

If both these are normal then no need to worry for heart diseases.

Uncontrolled stress and anxiety can also cause sleeping problems. Therefore it will also be wise to consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions and anxiolytic drugs.

Don't worry, he will be alright.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Kaushal Bhavsar, Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad