Wheezing

What are the treatments for the condition?

Medications to help open up narrowed airways can be used in many cases to help stop the wheezing and make breathing easier. Examples of these medications include albuterol and ipratropium. In severe cases of wheezing when the person cannot breathe effectively, a ventilator, or artificial breathing machine, may be needed.

Treatment is then directed at the cause, when possible. For instance, antibiotics can be used to treat pneumonia. Medications can be used to control heartburn. Medications to reduce inflammation are often helpful in asthma, sarcoidosis, and COPD. Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be needed to treat a tumor or cancer.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. All medications have possible side effects. For instance, antibiotics may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or headache. A ventilator may cause damage to the lungs or cause a lung infection. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding and infection.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Severe wheezing from almost any cause may result in death if treatment is unsuccessful. What happens after treatment otherwise depends on the cause. Some cases of wheezing are usually cured after treatment, such as pneumonia or heartburn.

How is the condition monitored?

A person with moderate or severe wheezing is often admitted to the hospital for close monitoring. A person with mild wheezing may be given treatments to use at home. Any worsening of symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider right away. Other monitoring is related to the cause. For instance, A person with lung cancer may need repeated x-ray tests to follow the tumor and its response to treatment.