Wheezing
Definition
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air flows through narrowed breathing tubes.
Alternative Names
Sibilant rhonchiConsiderations
Wheezing is a sign that a person may be having breathing problems. The sound of wheezing is most obvious when exhaling (breathing out), but may be heard when taking a breath (inhaling).
Wheezing most often comes from the small bronchial tubes (breathing tubes deep in the chest), but it may be due to a blockage in larger airways or in those with certain vocal cord problems.
Causes
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchiolitis
- Bronchitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Viral infection, especially in infants younger than 2 years old
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema (COPD), especially when a respiratory infection is present
- Smoking
- Insect sting which causes an allergic reaction
- Medications (particularly aspirin)
- Breathing a foreign object into the lungs
- Heart failure (cardiac asthma)
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