Wheezing

Common causes of wheezing include asthma, bronchitis, COPD, allergies, respiratory tract infections, and in rare cases, a blockage in the airways due to a foreign object or tumor. Wheezing can also occur in certain cardiovascular conditions like heart failure.

If wheezing is accompanied by severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or bluish color of lips or face, it's important to seek immediate medical help as these could be signs of a serious condition. If wheezing is new, persistent, or unexplained, a medical evaluation is also necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Doctors usually start by asking about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam. If needed, further tests such as a chest X-ray, lung function test, allergy testing, CT scan, or bronchoscopy might be performed. The test selected depends on your overall health and the suspected underlying cause.

Lung function tests help to measure how well your lungs work. They can assess the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, how quickly you can exhale, and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood. These tests can help your doctor diagnose conditions causing wheezing and plan the treatment accordingly.

Red flag signs that require immediate medical attention include severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, blue lips or face, and reduced alertness. These could indicate a severe asthma attack, a serious allergic reaction, or other life-threatening conditions.

For wheezing, you should initially consult a general practitioner. Depending on their assessment, you might be referred to a pulmonologist (a specialist in lung conditions), an allergist (for wheezing caused by allergies), or a cardiologist (if a heart condition is suspected).

Wheezing due to mild asthma or allergies can sometimes be managed at home with prescribed medications. However, severe or sudden wheezing, or wheezing accompanied by other serious symptoms, requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment for wheezing depends on the underlying cause. Asthma is often treated with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Allergies might be managed with antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy shots. Infections could require antibiotics. If wheezing is due to a physical blockage in the airway, a procedure or surgery might be necessary.

In some cases, wheezing can be prevented or its frequency reduced. This includes managing asthma with the prescribed treatment plan, avoiding known allergens, and staying updated on vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections.

Smoking can cause and worsen wheezing by irritating the airways and causing them to constrict. In the long term, it can lead to chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and lung cancer, which can result in persistent wheezing.