Symptoms
High-pitched whistling sound during breathing, especially when exhaling.
Shortness of breath.
Tightness in the chest.
Coughing.
Rapid breathing.
Difficulty breathing.
Causes
Asthma: The most common cause.
Bronchiolitis: Common in young children.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Pneumonia.
Bronchitis.
Allergic reactions.
Inhaling a foreign object.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Lung cancer (rare).
Medicine Used
Bronchodilators: Such as albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir), which relax the muscles around the airways.
Inhaled Corticosteroids: Such as fluticasone (Flovent), which reduce inflammation in the airways.
Combination Inhalers: Containing both a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid (e.g., Advair, Symbicort).
Oral Corticosteroids: Such as prednisone, for severe cases of inflammation.
Leukotriene Modifiers: Such as montelukast (Singulair), which block the action of leukotrienes (inflammatory chemicals).
Antibiotics: If the wheezing is caused by a bacterial infection.
Is Communicable
Wheezing itself is not communicable. However, if the wheezing is caused by a contagious infection (like RSV or the flu), the underlying infection is communicable.
Precautions
Avoid known allergens and irritants (e.g., pollen, dust mites, smoke).
Wash hands frequently to prevent respiratory infections.
Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia.
Use an air purifier to remove allergens from the air.
Follow your doctor's instructions for managing underlying conditions like asthma.
Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections.
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of wheezing depends entirely on the underlying cause.
Asthma Exacerbation: Can last from a few hours to several days or weeks if not properly treated.
Bronchiolitis/RSV: Typically lasts for 1-3 weeks.
Acute Bronchitis: Wheezing might persist for a few days to a week or two after other symptoms subside.
Allergic Reaction: Wheezing should resolve fairly quickly after the allergen is removed and appropriate medication is administered.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Exam: Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope.
Medical History: Reviewing symptoms and any underlying medical conditions.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): To measure lung capacity and airflow.
Chest X-ray: To look for signs of infection or other lung problems.
Allergy Testing: To identify potential triggers.
Blood Tests: To check for infection or inflammation.
Sputum Culture: To identify bacteria or viruses.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of wheezing symptoms varies significantly based on the cause:
Asthma: Can develop quickly (acute exacerbation) or gradually over time (chronic asthma).
Infection (e.g., RSV, Bronchitis): Gradual onset over a few days, with wheezing developing as the infection progresses.
Allergic Reaction: Rapid onset, often within minutes of exposure to the allergen.
COPD: Gradual worsening of symptoms over years.
Important Considerations
Wheezing can be a sign of a serious medical condition, especially in infants and young children.
It's crucial to identify the underlying cause of wheezing to receive appropriate treatment.
People with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions should have a written action plan for managing their symptoms.
Seek immediate medical attention if wheezing is severe, accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, or bluish discoloration of the lips or skin.
Exposure to environmental triggers can worsen wheezing.