What symptom is characterized by shortness of breath worse when lying flat?

The symptom characterized by shortness of breath that worsens when lying flat is known as orthopnea. This condition is often associated with heart failure and is a common complaint among individuals with respiratory or cardiac issues. When a person lies down, fluid can redistribute in the body, making it more challenging for the lungs to adequately exchange gases, leading to increased difficulty in breathing. This symptom can prompt individuals to sleep propped up or in a sitting position to alleviate discomfort.

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, while similar, specifically refers to sudden episodes of shortness of breath during sleep that awaken the person. It’s typically brief but can lead to orthopnea. Edema refers to the swelling caused by fluid retention and is not a direct symptom of breathing difficulty. Cardiac arrest is a critical condition characterized by the sudden loss of heart function; while it may involve shortness of breath, it is not a symptom that presents in the same manner as orthopnea.