What causes breathlessness when lying down?

Question

Hi doctor,

Recently, I have been experiencing breathlessness. It happens mostly when I am idle or lying down. I feel no discomfort while running. But I feel like I am short of breath when I sit idle. I am a 23-year-old male. I am reasonably fit. I do not smoke, although I drink occasionally and moderately. I was diagnosed with a deviated nasal septum a few years ago. Sometimes, I use Otrivin and Nasonex nasal spray when I feel congestion and irritation in my nose.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per your history, you experience breathlessness while being idle and not during exercise, which suggests an airway problem. Supporting this, you also suffer from a deviated nasal septum, which may cause nasal obstruction and, in some cases, may cause breathlessness. Patients with allergic rhinitis may have underlying asthma. So, it is also important to rule out asthma. A spirometry test helps to rule out asthma problems. If spirometry suggests any airway disease, then you can take the help of a local doctor for further information and treatment. For nasal problems, you can continue using the same nasal sprays.

I hope it helped with the query.

Please let me know if you have any more questions on your mind.

I would be happy to guide you.

Thank you.