Understanding Wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling sound in the breath, and is a symptom of respiratory tract disorders. The most common causes of wheezing are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Wheezing is generally heard more clearly when the sufferer exhales, although it can also be heard when inhaling. In some cases, this condition, also known as wheezing, is only heard when the doctor examines the patient’s chest using a stethoscope. In addition to respiratory disorders, wheezing can also be caused by allergic reactions or heart disease. To treat wheezing, an examination is needed as early as possible to determine the cause with certainty.
Causes of Wheezing
Wheezing occurs because the respiratory tract pipes called bronchi and bronchioles become narrowed or swollen. As mentioned, wheezing is most often caused by asthma. In addition to asthma, wheezing can occur in diseases or conditions of the respiratory system, such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Inflammation of the walls of the bronchial tubes (bronchitis).
- Lung infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi (pneumonia).
- Cystic fibrosis.
- A foreign object stuck in the bronchial tubes.
- Lung cancer.
In addition to the above diseases, wheezing can occur due to bronchiolitis, which is inflammation of the bronchioles. Bronchiolitis often occurs in children under 2 years of age. Wheezing can also be caused by heart failure due to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema). As a result, people with heart failure can experience severe coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Risk factors for wheezing
Wheezing can happen to anyone. However, there are some groups of people who are more susceptible to wheezing, namely infants, children, and the elderly. In addition, people who have a history of allergies or smoking are also more susceptible to wheezing.
Symptoms of Wheezing
As mentioned earlier, wheezing is a symptom of certain medical conditions. Other symptoms that may accompany wheezing include:
- Cough, usually a dry cough.
- Fever.
- Chest pain.
- Swelling in the legs.
- Difficulty sleeping.
See a doctor immediately if you experience sudden wheezing and no known cause. You are also advised to seek medical help immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you experience wheezing accompanied by more serious symptoms, such as:
- Shortness of breath.
- Hives.
- Swelling of the lips or face.
- Sore throat.
- Loss of voice.
- Blue lips.
- Cold sweats.
You are also advised to immediately take your child or loved one to the doctor if he/she experiences wheezing after consuming certain foods, being stung by insects, or taking certain medications.
Wheezing Treatment
If the patient experiences wheezing accompanied by shortness of breath, the doctor will first give oxygen and put an IV on the patient. If the wheezing is suspected to be due to an anaphylactic reaction, the doctor will immediately give IV fluids and inject epinephrine into the patient’s thigh. After the patient is stable, the doctor will ask questions about the patient’s symptoms and medical history. After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination, including a chest examination using a stethoscope.
In addition to conducting a physical examination, the doctor will perform several supporting examinations, including:
- Blood tests, to detect infection.
- Chest X-ray, to detect pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis.
- Pulmonary function tests, to determine the capacity of air entering and leaving the lungs.
- Heart recording, to detect heart disease.
- Echocardiography, to detect heart valve disorders.
If the doctor suspects an allergy, the patient will be asked to undergo an allergy test. This test is done by attaching certain allergy-triggering substances (allergens) to the skin. The doctor will then monitor the reactions that will occur.
Treatment for wheezing will be adjusted to the cause. For example, to treat wheezing due to asthma, doctors can prescribe asthma medication, such as salbutamol and corticosteroids in the form of inhalers or tablets. Meanwhile, to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. If the patient experiences severe symptoms, pneumonia will be treated in the ICU by providing additional oxygen, IV fluids, and medication through injections. In patients with wheezing due to heart failure, doctors will prescribe diuretics to reduce fluid buildup in the body. Patients will also be given digoxin to increase heart muscle strength and antihypertensive medicine.
Complications of Wheezing
Complications of wheezing can vary, depending on the cause, including:
- Lack of oxygen (hypoxia and hypoxemia).
- Respiratory acidosis.
- Sepsis.
- Respiratory failure (acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS).
- Brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
- Coma.
Prevention of Wheezing
Wheezing can be avoided by preventing the diseases that cause it. Some efforts that can be done are:
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid exposure to allergens that can cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Clean your home and surroundings regularly.
- Maintain air humidity with a humidifier and consume warm, soupy foods if you have a cough or flu.
- Avoid taking medication without a doctor’s permission.
- If you have certain medicine allergies, write them down and always bring them with you when seeking medical treatment.
If you have a disease that can cause wheezing, such as asthma, take medication and have regular check-ups to reduce the risk of symptoms recurring.
