Fact Checked
Wheezing is a high-pitched sound like a whistle while breathing in and out which happens when a person is not capable breathing properly. It can be due to some constriction in the passage of the lung where air flows in and out. The whistling sound is caused by air passing through a narrow airway.
Causes of narrowed airway
- Swelling of the lining of the airways
- The muscles within the lining of the airways contracts which affects the narrowing or constricting the airways or bronchospasm.
- Mucus secretions in the airways
- Inhaled objects such as peanuts usually happens in children
Causes of wheezing
- Bronchiolitis
- Asthma
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Smoking
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Cold and cough
- Exposure to dust
- Acidity and acid reflux
- Swallowing an object
- Anaphylaxis
- Heart failure
- Sleep apnea
- Lung cancer
Symptoms
- Labored breathing with whistling sound while exhaling
- Tightening sensations in the chest
Treatment
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to lessen the inflammation and the excess mucus in the airways in the form of an inhaler and tablets. Provide a syrup medication for children.
- Prescribed bronchodilators to lessen coughing. It relaxes the muscles that are near the breathing tubes.
- Drink warm liquids such as herbal tea or just warm water to lessen build up of mucus. Avoid dehydration for fast healing of the condition. Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water to prevent dehydration.
- Steam therapy to lessen wheezing. Take a steamy shower and breathe in the steam to relax the airways and the moisture thins out the mucus that cause clogging of the airways.
- Gargle using salt water. Fill a glass with warm water; mix it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well until salt is totally dissolved and then gargle the solution at least every hour to get rid of mucus clinging in the airway passages. Salt is rich with anti-bacteria properties that stops wheezing.
- Drink ginger tea lessens coughing, wheezing and asthma. It clears blockage in the breathing tubes and lessen the inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Prescribed nasal drops to lessen wheezing at least 2-3 drops for easy breathing.
- Pursed lip breathing is a slow way of breathing and keeps the airway to open longer and lessen the wheezing. It consists of breathing through tightly pressed or pursed lips and inhaling though closed nose and mouth.
- Stop smoking to prevent further irritations.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/wheezing
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003070.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/wheezing/basics/definition/sym-20050764