Wheezing is a term used to describe a high-pitched sound that is heard when breathing. Wheezing is a symptom of respiratory disorders that can be temporary or serious conditions that require medical attention. Wheezing is characterized by a whistling breath sound and can be accompanied by shortness of breath or sometimes fever. Wheezing is usually heard clearly when the sufferer inhales or exhales. However, there is also wheezing that is only heard when the doctor performs a stethoscope examination.
Causes of Wheezing
Wheezing is caused by narrowing and inflammation of the airways in the throat and leading to the lungs. Wheezing can also occur due to allergies, infections, or irritation of the airways. Here are some causes of wheezing:
- Asthma.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Bronchitis.
- Bronchiolitis.
- Inhaled foreign body.
- Reaction.
- Pneumonia.
- Heart failure.
- Acid reflux disease.
- Vocal cord disorders.
- Sleep apnea.
- Lung cancer.
- Smoking.
How to Treat Wheezing
To find out the exact cause of your wheezing, your doctor will ask you several things, such as when your wheezing usually recurs, how long your wheezing symptoms last, and your medical history. After that, your doctor will perform an examination using a stethoscope to listen to your lungs and breathing. If this is your first time experiencing wheezing, your doctor may suggest additional examinations, such as an X-ray.
After that, the doctor will usually perform an examination using a stethoscope to listen to your lungs and breathing. If this is your first time experiencing wheezing, the doctor may suggest additional examinations, such as a chest X-ray and breathing test or spirometry. Blood tests and allergy tests may also be recommended, depending on your medical history and the results of the doctor’s examination.
Treatment for wheezing depends on the cause. If wheezing is caused by asthma, there are several types of drugs that can be used, namely:
- Bronchodilators are inhalers (inhaled medications) to widen the airways.
- Inhaled corticosteroids.
- Combinations of inhalers and corticosteroids.
- Asthma controller medications to reduce inflammation.
Apart from medication, the most important step in treating asthma is avoiding triggers so that wheezing and shortness of breath do not occur.
If wheezing is caused by bronchitis, the doctor will generally prescribe:
- Bronchodilators to relieve wheezing.
- Antibiotics if bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
To temporarily relieve the discomfort caused by wheezing, you can do self-care at home, namely by inhaling steam from a basin of warm water, taking a warm bath, or using a humidifier. Meanwhile, wheezing accompanied by severe shortness of breath and the threat of respiratory failure needs to be treated immediately by a doctor at the hospital.
Wheezing to Watch Out For
You are advised to visit a doctor immediately if you experience the following conditions:
- First time experiencing wheezing.
- Wheezing often recurs.
- Wheezing occurs after you are bitten by an insect, such as a bee.
- Wheezing occurs after you consume certain medications or foods.
- Accompanied by severe shortness of breath.
- Wheezing occurs after you choke on food or a foreign object.
Because wheezing can be a symptom of a serious illness, you should also seek medical attention if you have wheezing accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath to the point of feeling like you are suffocating, could be severe asthma or an anaphylactic reaction.
- Coughing up blood or severe chest pain could be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism.
- High fever, i.e. 38°C or higher, could be a symptom of an infection such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis.
- Skin and lips appear bluish (cyanosis), could indicate decreased blood oxygen levels due to severe respiratory distress.
No matter how mild your wheezing symptoms are, do not take this condition lightly because it could be a sign of a respiratory tract disorder. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience wheezing or feel other symptoms that appear along with wheezing.
