Wheezing

Definition

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing. Wheezing may occur while breathing out, also known as expiration, or while breathing in, also known as inspiration. It may or may not occur while having a hard time breathing.

Causes

The cause of wheezing may occur anywhere from your throat to your lungs. Any condition that causes irritation or inflammation — which usually includes swelling, redness, warmth and sometimes pain — in the airway can result in wheezing.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, are the most common causes of wheezing that happens over and over again. Asthma and COPD cause narrowing and spasms, also known as bronchospasms, in the small airways of your lungs. Respiratory infections, allergic reactions, allergies or irritants can cause short-term wheezing.

Other conditions that can affect your throat or larger airways and cause wheezing include:

• Allergies — Injury, such as from a blunt trauma or burn.
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis, an ongoing lung condition in which unusual widening of the bronchial tubes keeps mucus from clearing.
• Bronchiolitis (especially in young children)
• Bronchitis
• Childhood asthma
• COPD — a long-term lung disease that causes trouble with breathing.
• Emphysema — a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.
• Epiglottitis
• Inhaled foreign object.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Heart failure — a condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
• Lung cancer
• Medicines, particularly aspirin.
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Respiratory tract infection, especially in children younger than 2.
• Smoking.
• Vocal cord dysfunction, a condition that affects vocal cord movement.

When to see a doctor

Mild wheezing that occurs along with symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory infection does not always need to be treated. See a healthcare professional if you don't know why you're wheezing, your wheezing keeps coming back or it happens along with any of these symptoms:

• Trouble breathing.
• Rapid breathing.
• Blue or gray skin color.

Seek emergency care if wheezing:

• Begins right away after being stung by a bee, taking medicine or eating an allergy-causing food.
• Occurs while you're having a very hard time breathing or your skin looks blue or gray.
• Occurs after choking on a small object or food.

Self-care measures

To ease mild wheezing related to a cold or upper respiratory infection, try these tips:

• Moisturize the air. Use a humidifier, take a steamy shower or sit in the bathroom with the door closed while running a hot shower. Moist air might ease mild wheezing sometimes.
• Drink fluids. Warm liquids can relax your airway and loosen up sticky mucus in your throat.
• Stay away from tobacco smoke. Smoking or being exposed to smoke can worsen wheezing.
• Take all prescribed medicines. Follow your healthcare professional's instructions.