How Do You Spell ORTHOPNOEA?

Pronunciation: [ˌɔːθəpnˈi͡ə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "orthopnoea" can be somewhat confusing. It is pronounced as /ɔːθɒpˈniːə/ and it refers to the shortness of breath someone experiences when lying flat. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation and spelling. The word comes from the Greek "orthos," meaning straight, and "pnoia," meaning breathing. It can also be spelled orthopnea, but the Oxford English Dictionary recognizes the former spelling as the original and most common form.

ORTHOPNOEA Meaning and Definition

1. Orthopnoea, also spelled as orthopnea, is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath when in a lying down position. Derived from the Greek words "orthos" meaning straight, and "pnoia" meaning breath, orthopnoea refers to the struggle to breathe comfortably while reclining.

   Individuals experiencing orthopnoea typically find it easier to breathe when they are sitting upright or standing, as opposed to lying flat. This condition is often a result of the accumulation of fluid or congestion in the lungs, which can make breathing more challenging. Orthopnoea can often be indicative of an underlying medical condition such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or obesity.

   Orthopnoea can be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, rapid breathing, or coughing. It can severely impact an individual's quality of life, making it difficult for them to sleep or perform everyday activities that require lying down.

   Upon experiencing orthopnoea, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause but can include lifestyle modifications, such as elevating the upper body while sleeping, weight loss, and quitting smoking. Medications to address the underlying condition, such as diuretics or bronchodilators, may also be prescribed to relieve symptoms.

2. A diseased state in which the difficulty of breathing is increased by stooping, or on lying down.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ORTHOPNOEA

• orthoponea
• orthophnea
• orthopnae
• orthopnea
• irthopnoea
• krthopnoea
• lrthopnoea
• prthopnoea
• 0rthopnoea
• 9rthopnoea
• oethopnoea
• odthopnoea
• ofthopnoea
• otthopnoea
• o5thopnoea
• o4thopnoea
• orrhopnoea
• orfhopnoea
• orghopnoea
• oryhopnoea

Etymology of ORTHOPNOEA

The word "orthopnoea" (also spelled orthopnea) has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "ortho", meaning "straight" or "upright", and "pnoe", meaning "breath" or "respiration". Therefore, "orthopnoea" can be literally translated as "upright breathing" or "breathing in an upright position". The term is commonly used in medicine to describe a condition in which an individual finds it difficult to breathe while lying flat and needs to sit up or be in an upright position to breathe comfortably.

Plural form of ORTHOPNOEA is ORTHOPNOEAS