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Dificultad respiratoria mientras se está acostado - Treatment

Nombres alternativos

Despertar en la noche con falta de aliento; Disnea paroxística nocturna; DPN; Dificultad respiratoria estando acostado; Ortopnea

Cuidados en el hogar:

El médico puede prescribir tratamiento para tratar esta dificultad respiratoria mientras se está acostado y éste dependerá de la enfermedad específica que esté causando el problema.

Generalmente se recomienda bajar de peso a personas que son obesas.

Cuándo contactar a un profesional médico:

Si tiene cualquier dificultad respiratoria inexplicable mientras está acostado, solicite una cita con el médico.

Lo que se puede esperar en el consultorio médico:

El médico elaborará la historia clínica y realizará el examen físico.

Las preguntas que documentan en detalle la historia clínica de una disnea nocturna son, entre otras:

  • ¿Se desarrolló el problema de forma repentina o lentamente?
  • ¿Está empeorando (progresivo)?
  • ¿Qué tan grave es?
  • ¿Cuántas almohadas necesita para ayudarle a respirar cómodamente?
  • ¿Hay alguna hinchazón en tobillos, pies y piernas?
  • ¿Tiene dificultad para respirar en otros momentos?
  • ¿Qué estatura tiene? ¿Cuánto pesa?
  • ¿Qué otros síntomas presenta?

El examen físico incluirá atención especial al corazón y los pulmones (sistema cardiovascular y aparato respiratorio).

Los exámenes de diagnóstico que pueden realizarse incluyen los siguientes:

Se puede administrar oxígeno suplementario.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/31/2011
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Hess OM, Carroll JD. Clinical assessment of heart failure. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 23.

Massie BM. Heart failure: pathophysiology and diagnosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 57.

Hobbs R, Boyle A. Heart failure. In: Carey WD, ed. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine 2010. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

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