Wheezing Causes And Symptoms

That high-pitched, whistling sound when you breathe—especially on exhaling? That’s called wheezing. It can come on suddenly or build up over time, and it’s usually a sign that your airways are narrowed or inflamed.

What is Wheezing?

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling or rattling sound that occurs when you breathe, typically during exhalation but sometimes during inhalation. It happens when the airways become narrowed or obstructed, making it harder for air to pass through. Wheezing can affect anyone—from infants to the elderly—and may be heard with or without a stethoscope. In many cases, it is audible enough to be detected by the human ear. The sound and severity of wheezing depend on where in the respiratory tract the obstruction is located.

For example:

• A rough wheeze may suggest narrowing in the upper airway.
• Expiratory wheezing (while exhaling) is more common and easier to detect because the airways are more constricted during this phase.
• Inspiratory wheezing (while inhaling) may occur in people with asthma or upper airway obstruction.

Doctors use a stethoscope to evaluate the wheeze and determine its cause. If wheezing is loud and heard in both inhalation and exhalation, especially in acute asthma, it may indicate a more severe respiratory condition. If the wheezing or stridor is heard near the neck, it could suggest an obstruction in the upper airway.

Wheezing Causes

The most common causes of wheezing are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which cause bronchospasm in the airway passage of the lungs.

The other causes include:

• Bronchitis – inflammation of the bronchial tubes
• Bronchiolitis – a viral infection common in infants under two years
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Epiglottitis – swelling of the epiglottis (windpipe)
• Anaphylaxis – a life-threatening allergic reaction
• Heart failure – may cause fluid build-up in the lungs
• Infections – such as pneumonia or upper respiratory infections
• Foreign body aspiration – such as choking on food or objects

Symptoms of Wheezing

While wheezing is not always serious, it can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Common symptoms associated with wheezing include:

• Whistling or rattling sound when breathing (especially during exhalation)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing or talking
• Blue tint to lips or skin (cyanosis) – indicates low oxygen and requires urgent care
• Rapid or shallow breathing

In the context of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections, wheezing may be accompanied by symptoms like coughing, fever, and fatigue.

If your child is wheezing or if you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.

Wheezing Treatment

• Wheezing may resolve on its own after a viral infection, but persistent or severe wheezing requires medical evaluation and treatment based on the underlying cause. The immediate treatment begins with supplying oxygen .
• In case of asthma, bronchodilators are used to reduce inflammation and open your airways. Inhaled corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation. Leukotriene antibodies are used to treat asthma and allergy symptoms, and antibodies are given to fight bacterial infections.

A Few Home Remedies for Wheezing Treatment are Available

Certain mild or early cases of wheezing—especially those caused by cold, allergies, or environmental triggers—can be managed with home remedies. However, consult your doctor before trying these methods.

• Some respiratory conditions can cause throat constriction, and wheezing is a common symptom.
• Using steam inhalation to clear the sinuses and open up the airways can be quite beneficial.

1. Steam Inhalation

Helps loosen mucus and open up airways.

How to do it:

• Inhale vapour from a bowl of hot water.
• Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
• Add a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol oil for extra relief.

Alternatively, you can take a hot shower or use a humidifier in your room.

2. Warm Fluids

• Drink hot tea, warm water, or herbal infusions to soothe your throat and thin mucus.
• Add honey to tea — it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Peppermint or menthol teas may help ease congestion.

3. Breathing Exercises

Deep, controlled breathing can help manage shortness of breath from wheezing, panic attacks, or chronic lung conditions.

How to do it:

• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Pursed-lip breathing
• Box breathing (inhale–hold–exhale–hold)

A respiratory therapist or doctor can guide you with proper techniques.You must remain calm  as panicking can worsen it. When breathing becomes difficult or irregular, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms of wheezing can be alleviated with medicine even if the cause is a significant medical issue.

Takeaway

Wheezing is a symptom, not a disease. It reflects underlying airway narrowing or obstruction. Causes range from asthma and infections to heart disease or allergies. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by blue skin, fever, or breathlessness. Mild cases can be managed with home remedies like steam inhalation, warm fluids, and breathing exercises. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for medications or inhalers.

References

• Al-Shamrani, A., Bagais, K., Alenazi, A., Alqwaiee, M., & Al-Harbi, A. S. (2019). Wheezing in children. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 6(2), 68–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2019.02.003
• Şenel, F. Ç., & Dilber, M. (2023). Wheezing. In Springer eBooks (pp. 465–474). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22483-6_28-1
• Braman, S. S., & Davis, S. M. (1986). Wheezing in the elderly: Asthma and other causes. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 2(2), 269–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0690(18)30881-4