When to seek medical advice

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing.

Seek emergency care if your child's wheezing:

  • Begins suddenly after he or she has been stung by a bee, taken medication or eaten an allergy-causing food
  • Is accompanied by severe difficulty breathing or bluish skin color
  • Occurs after he or she has choked on a small object or food

See a doctor if your child wheezes during exertion, such as while playing sports. Also make an appointment if your child develops wheezing that is unexplained, keeps coming back (recurrent), or is accompanied by any of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Briefly bluish skin color

Wheezing in children

Find possible causes of wheezing in children based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your child's symptom.

Wheezing is
Triggered or worsened by
Related cough
Accompanied by