Wheezing

Wheezing describes a form of difficult, noisy breathing.

What is going on in the body?

Wheezing is often described as a whistling or squeaking noise that occurs when people breathe. It is thought to occur due to narrowed airways. When the airways are narrowed from any cause, the air passing through them may make the noise known as wheezing. Wheezing usually occurs when a person breathes out, or exhales, but may also occur when a person breathes in, or inhales. There are many possible causes.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Wheezing has many possible causes, including:

Other causes are also possible. Sometimes no cause can be found.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

If someone complains of wheezing, the healthcare provider will need more information. Questions may be asked related to:

Sometimes a healthcare provider will detect wheezing during a physical exam when the person doesn't even notice it.

How is the condition diagnosed?

The first step in figuring out the cause is a history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed to make the diagnosis. In other cases, further tests may be needed.

Different tests may be ordered, depending on the suspected cause. For instance, a type of breathing test called pulmonary function testing can help diagnose asthma and COPD. Chest x-rays are commonly used, and can help detect pneumonia, sarcoidosis, and other conditions. Special x-ray tests, such as a chest CT scan, may be needed in certain cases. For instance, a CT scan can help detect lung cancer.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. For instance, avoiding smoking can prevent most cases due to emphysema or lung cancer. Keeping small objects away from young children can prevent some cases due to a foreign body. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Wheezing is a form of difficulty in breathing. Those with severe narrowing in multiple areas of their airways may die if they cannot take in enough air. Other long-term effects are related to the cause. For instance, cancer can result in death even if the wheezing stops.

What are the risks to others?

Wheezing itself is not contagious. But if the cause is an infection, such as pneumonia, the infection may be contagious.

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.

Author:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Smith, Elizabeth, BA
Edit Date:07/19/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:03/26/01

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