What is three pillow dyspnea?

Three pillow dyspnea refers to a condition in which a person experiences shortness of breath that is severe enough to require them to sleep propped up with three pillows. This indicates significant respiratory distress, often associated with conditions like congestive heart failure or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The need for multiple pillows suggests that the individual struggles to breathe comfortably when lying flat, highlighting the importance of medical evaluation and management.