Orthopnea was defined as dyspnea that develops in the recumbent position and is relieved by elevation of the head with pillows. Patients with any episode of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea in the ...

PND, as well as simple orthopnea, may be relieved by sitting upright at the side of the bed with legs dangling, as symptoms typically occur when the person is recumbent, or lying down.