WHEEZING

Wheezing is a whistling, musical or puffing sound made as air is forced through narrowed or swollen airways. It is a sign of a restricted airway. If a person's airways become so narrowed that enough air cannot move in and out of the lungs, a medical emergency can result. Often wheezing is worse when breathing out or exhaling.

Some of the causes for wheezing are:

asthma
an allergic reaction to airborne allergens
a bad cold or lower respiratory infection, such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis
objects, like food, stuck in the windpipe
inhalation of irritants such as cigarette smoke or environmental factors like soot or dust
chronic lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis
a collapsed lung and
lung cancer

Try these self-care tips for temporary relief:

use a humidifier that is thoroughly cleaned as directed by the manufacturer
inhale the steam from a warm shower
use breathing medications as directed
avoid the use of over-the-counter inhalers, such as Primatine Mist, unless specifically recommended by your provider
avoid airborne allergens such as molds and pollens
avoid cigarette smoke and fumes from harsh chemicals
cover your mouth and nose if you go out into the cold air
get a flu vaccine every fall and
get a pneumococcal vaccine if you have a chronic illness or are age 65 years or older

Seek immediate medical evaluation for wheezing with signs of:

shortness of breath with restlessness, confusion, and anxiety
fast and irregular breathing
weak, shallow, or slow breathing (less than 12 breaths per minute)
bluish tinge around the lips or
an inability to speak because it is difficult to breathe

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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