Noun: orthopnea or'thóp-nee-u- A form of dyspnea in which the person can breathe comfortably only when standing or sitting erect; associated with asthma, emphysema, and angina pectoris
"He had to sleep sitting up due to orthopnea"
Derived forms: orthopneas
Type of: dyspnea, dyspnoea
Encyclopedia: Orthopnea