• What is wheezing?
• Wheezing Symptoms
• Causes of wheezing
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Recommendations
  
  

What is wheezing?

Wheezing is described as a high-pitched whistling sound made when air flows through narrowed airways in the lungs. Wheezing usually occurs when people breathe out.

Wheezing Symptoms

• Tight, noisy breathing during exhalation.
• Wheezing lasts as long as the airways are too tight.
• The origin of the wheezing will determine the duration it will last for.

Causes of wheezing

• Asthma
• Exposure to allergens (substances that cause a person to have an allergic reaction)
• Fumes such as gas and smoke
• Ice-cold drinks and very cold air
• Viral infections
• Respiratory infections
• Smoking
• Strenuous exercise and running
• Change in weather
• Cystic Fibrosis and other genetic disorders
• Respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis and congestive heart failure
• Irritation on the respiratory organs
• Acid reflux
• Some medications
• Inhalation of unknown objects trapped in the airway such as dust or smoke

Diagnosis

• A physician or allergist will ask you for your full medical history that includes questions about allergies and the cause of your symptoms.
• A stethoscope is used to detect wheezing. Stethoscope is an instrument used to listen to sounds in the body.
• A blood test may be taken as part of the physical examination.
• A lung functionary test may be performed.
• An x-ray is sometimes recommended for patients who have severe symptoms.

Treatment

• Bronchodilator medicines are used to tighten the throat muscles to stop vibrations.
• Drinking liquids may be treatment for mild wheezing.
• A vaporizer spray for the blocked airways.
• Wheezing caused by asthma can be treated by medications to relieve the narrowed airways.
• The use of antibiotics treats infections of the respiratory organs.
• When a patient experience difficulty in breathing, he/she may need to be hospitalized to be monitored closely.

Recommendations

• Do not drink ice-cold drinks.
• Seek medical attention when you notice symptoms related to wheezing.
• Reduce your stress levels.
• Stop smoking.
• Eat healthy, drink lots of water and exercise regularly.
• Do not confuse asthma with wheezing.
• Wheezing is often caused by respiratory infections, so monitor and treat infections immediately.