Treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Treatments for PND vary depending on the cause. Your doctor can help you understand the best course of treatment based on your symptoms. For people whose PND is caused by heart failure, a number of treatments may improve symptoms. Medical treatment can include diuretic therapy to reduce fluid retention and cardiac medication therapy to protect the heart or reduce blood pressure or heart rate. Other treatments, including surgery, may help to decrease the workload on the heart and provide the cells with additional oxygen. Sleeping propped up on several pillows may also provide relief from PND. When PND is caused by a lung or other respiratory system disorder, treating the disorder usually helps to ease symptoms. For instance, long-term asthma control medications can help to reduce shortness of breath at night. In cases of sleep apnea, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, possibly with added supplemental oxygen, may help to improve breathing. Stomach acid reflux is treatable with lifestyle changes and antacids. Other treatments focus on reducing stress and improving the overall quality of your sleep. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed and adopting a regular sleep schedule are just a few things you can do to improve the overall quality of your sleep.