Causes of Wheezing and How to Overcome It

Wheezing is characterized by whistling breath sounds and may be accompanied by shortness of breath or sometimes fever. Wheezing is generally audible when the sufferer inhales or exhales. However, there is also a new wheezing sound when the doctor performs a stethoscope examination.

Causes of Wheezing

Wheezing is caused by narrowing and inflammation of the airways in the throat and those 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
• Stomach acid disease
• Vocal cord disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Lung cancer
• Smoke

Wheezing Diagnosis

To find out the exact cause of your wheezing, your doctor will ask you several questions, such as when do you usually recur, how long the wheezing has lasted, and your medical history.

After that, the doctor will perform an examination using a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of your lungs and breathing. If this is your first time experiencing wheezing, your doctor may suggest additional tests, such as x-rays

After that, the doctor will usually perform an examination using a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of your lungs and breathing. If this is your first time experiencing wheezing, your doctor may suggest additional tests, such as a chest X-ray and breathing tests or spirometry.

Blood tests and allergy tests may also be recommended, depending on your medical history and the results of the doctor's examination.

How to Overcome Wheezing

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 drugs) to widen the airways
• inhaled corticosteroids
• Combination of inhaler and corticosteroid
• Asthma control medication to reduce inflammation

In addition to medication, the most important step in managing asthma is to avoid the triggering factors so that wheezing and shortness of breath do not appear.

If wheezing is caused by bronchitis, your doctor will generally prescribe:

• Bronchodilators to relieve wheezing
• Antibiotics if bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection

To temporarily relieve discomfort from wheezing, you can do self-care at home, 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 That Needs to be Watched

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 take certain drugs or foods
• Accompanied by severe shortness of breath
• Wheezing occurs after you choke on food or foreign objects

Since wheezing can be a symptom of a serious illness, you should also seek medical attention immediately if you have wheezing accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath until you feel like you are choking, it could be severe asthma or an anaphylactic reaction
• Coughing up blood or severe pain in the chest, it could be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism
• A high fever of 38°C or more, could be a symptom of an infection such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis
• The skin and lips look bluish (cyanosis), it could be a sign of decreased oxygen levels in the blood due to severe respiratory disorders

No matter how mild your wheezing symptoms are, don't 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 experience other symptoms that occur along with wheezing.