About this topic
Some health problems may cause your air passages to swell or become blocked. As these passages narrow, you may hear a whistling sound when you breath air in and out. This is called wheezing. Asthma is an illness that often causes wheezing. ‚
What are the causes?
- Lung diseases and infections
- Congestive heart failure
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Foreign object gets sucked into the windpipe
- Allergic reaction to foods, drugs, insect stings
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Breathing in certain chemicals
- Enlarged gland in the neck which may put pressure on the windpipe
- Tissue scarring from past infection or injury
- Vocal cord problems
What are the main signs?
- Noisy breathing or breathing you can hear
- Feeling like you cannot get the right amount of air to breathe right
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Chest tightness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your history. The doctor will listen to your lungs as you breathe in and out. Wheezing caused by asthma or bronchial illness is more often heard when you breathe out. Problems such as tumors, scarring, or sucking in a foreign object are more likely to cause wheezing as you breathe in. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Spirometry or lung tests
- Chest x-ray
- Skin testing to check for allergies
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment will depend on the cause of your wheezing. Care may include: ‚
- Breathing treatments
- Extra oxygen
- Surgery to put in a breathing tube
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take deep breaths to keep your air passages open.
- Cough often to help clear mucus.
- Moist air may help. Use a cool mist humidifier or sit in a room with a steamy shower running.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. This will help to clear mucus.
- Avoid known causes or irritants.
- If you smoke, stop. Avoid being around people who smoke.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat other illnesses
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness or passing out
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Try to avoid what could cause an attack (eg, dust, pollen).
- If you smoke, stop smoking.
- Relax and try to stay calm.
- Sit up rather than lie down.
- If you have asthma, make an action plan with your doctor.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Tired and have to work harder to breathe
- Swelling of your hands and feet
- Feel like you are smothering when you lie flat
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-a-to-z-search/Asthma.aspx ‚
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/ ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚