Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It
occurs when air flows through narrowed breathing tubes.
Considerations
Wheezing is a sign that a person may be having breathing problems. The sound of
wheezing is most obvious when exhaling (breathing out), but may be heard when taking
a breath (inhaling).
Wheezing most often comes from the small bronchial tubes (breathing tubes deep in
the chest), but it may be due to a blockage in larger airways or in those with certain
vocal cord problems.
Causes
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchiolitis
- Bronchitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Viral infection, especially in infants younger than 2 years old
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema (COPD), especially when a respiratory infection is present
- Smoking
- Insect sting which causes an allergic reaction
- Medications (particularly aspirin)
- Breathing a foreign object into the lungs
- Heart failure (cardiac asthma)
Home Care
Take all of your medications,
especially respiratory inhalers, as directed.
Sitting in an area where there is moist, heated air may help relieve some symptoms.
This can be done running a hot shower or by using a vaporizer.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
- Wheezing is occurring for the first time
- Wheezing is associated with significant shortness of breath, bluish skin color,
or mental status changes
- Wheezing is a recurrent, unexplained problem
- Wheezing is caused by an allergic reaction to a bite or medication
If wheezing is severe or is accompanied by severe shortness of breath, you may have
to go directly to the nearest emergency department.
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