Orthopnea

Term: OrthopneaDefinition: Difficulty breathing except in an upright position, often associated with heart or lung conditions.Phonetic Pronunciation: (or-thop-NEE-uh)Origin: The term orthopnea originates from Greek, combining 'orthos' meaning 'straight' or 'upright,' and 'pnoia' meaning 'breath.' It reflects the condition where breathing is easier in an upright position.Significance in Asbestos Context: Orthopnea can be a symptom of asbestos-related lung diseases, such as asbestosis or pleural thickening, which may lead to respiratory difficulties. It is important for individuals exposed to asbestos to monitor symptoms like orthopnea as they could indicate the progression of asbestos-related diseases.Example Sentence: After years of working with asbestos insulation, the patient began experiencing orthopnea, finding it difficult to breathe unless sitting upright.Related Terms: Asbestosis, Pleural Thickening, Dyspnea, Respiratory FailureNotes: - Orthopnea is not exclusive to asbestos-related diseases but can be a symptom of various heart and lung conditions. - Early detection and management of orthopnea can improve quality of life for those affected by asbestos-related diseases.