When you detect a change in a biological function as vital as breathing, even if it’s only a small alteration in how it sounds, like a wheeze, it’s undoubtedly alarming.
When you breathe out, you may wheeze, which is an indication that your airway isn’t functioning as well as it should. This is probably because the airway is narrowed or partially closed.
Why Do People Wheeze?
Asthma, which is characterized by a swelling or narrowing of the throat or the airways to your lungs, is one of the most typical causes of wheezing. Wheezing, however, can also result in a number of other problems.
Lung Problems
Emphysema, which results from damaged air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis are two examples of specific lung disorders that fall under the umbrella term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (inflammation of the lungs). Most COPD sufferers are older and have the disease as a result of smoking.
Two signs of COPD include wheezing and shortness of breath.
Exocrine glands are impacted by the condition cystic fibrosis, which can result in fluid accumulation in the lungs. Wheezing is one of the signs of this.
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When you breathe, you may make a high-pitched whistling sound known as wheezing. Narrowed airways or inflammation are the causes.
There are several distinct medical disorders that might cause wheezing. Some of these problems, like allergies, are transient, but some of them can be fairly serious and need medical attention.
Wheezing can be brought on by bronchitis, an infection of the primary lungs’ airways. Another sign of pneumonia, an infection of the lung tissue, is wheezing.
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Voice Cord Problems
When the vocal cords don’t open properly, it’s called vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), which is frequently mistaken for asthma. Several signs of this problem include:
- wheezing
- coughing
- having trouble breathing
Allergies
Allergies, even if you don’t have asthma, can make you feel out of breath. Wheezing may also result from them. Whether you’re allergic to pollen or pet dander, for example, will determine the type of allergy symptoms you encounter.
The severe and immediate allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can also result in wheezing. A medical emergency is an anaphylaxis. If you suffer any of the following anaphylactic symptoms, you should dial 911 or your local emergency services:
- dizziness
- throat or tongue swelling
- difficulty breathing
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Heart Problems
Wheezing or a “breathless” sensation may be a sign of heart failure. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs is usually what causes this wheezing.
Intestinal Problems
Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or persistent acid reflux, frequently go hand in hand. Because it irritates the lungs and airways, this persistent acid reflux can exacerbate asthma symptoms. When GERD flares up, people who have both asthma and GERD may have more wheezing.
Lifestyle Elements
When smoking:
- make asthma symptoms worse
- increasing the likelihood of acquiring COPD
- induce wheezing and coughing
Wheezing Risk Factors
Anyone can experience wheezing. However, there are some risk factors that can raise your risk of wheezing. Asthma is one example of a hereditary disease that can run in families.
Also susceptible to wheezing are
- those who have lung cancer
- toddlers who attend daycare or live with older siblings because of the higher risk of illness
- present and former smokers
Wheezing may be improved by avoiding risk factors including smoking. When at all possible, avoid exposure to wheeze causes including pollen and other allergens.
When Should I Get Medical Help?
If you’re wheezing for the first time and can’t seem to identify the source, let your doctor know.
If the following occur together with your wheezing, seek emergency medical attention instead:
- having trouble breathing
- hives
- face or throat swelling
What to Do If You Wheeze
Treating the underlying problem that is causing wheezing is the best method to stop it.
Your doctor will probably recommend an inhaler or other medications to help keep your airways open and free of mucus and other obstructions if you have asthma or COPD. More sophisticated therapies are required for the more uncommon causes of wheezing, such as the presence of a food particle trapped in the airway or vocal cord dysfunction.
Sadly, the mild wheezing that occasionally goes along with a cold, the flu, or COVID-19 may come and go during the course of your sickness. Get lots of rest and take any prescription medications that your doctor may have given you in order to hasten your recovery.
You can also try one of the following natural treatments for wheezing in the interim:
- consuming hot liquids
- utilizing a humidifier or taking a steamy shower to inhale moist air
- avoiding smoking and smoke exposure
- avoiding air that is too cold or too dry
- exercises for deep breathing
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