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Positional dyspnea: A brief review
Hui Yang1, Isaac Ks Ng2, Christopher Thong3
1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
The American Journal of Medicine
|November 28, 2025
Summary
Positional dyspnea, including orthopnea and platypnea, offers key diagnostic clues for shortness of breath. This review details types of positional dyspnea and their clinical evaluation and management.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Dyspnea is a frequent clinical symptom with diverse etiologies.
- Positional changes significantly influence dyspnea, providing diagnostic insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the different forms of positional dyspnea.
- To outline a practical approach for the evaluation and management of positional dyspnea.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of literature on positional dyspnea.
- Discussion of clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Identified and described orthopnea, platypnea, trepopnea, and bendopnea.
- Highlighted the diagnostic importance of positional exacerbation or relief of dyspnea.
Conclusions:
- Understanding positional dyspnea is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- A systematic approach aids in managing patients with positional dyspnea.
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