Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing. Wheezing may occur while breathing out, also known as expiration, or while breathing in, also known as inspiration. It may or may not occur while having a hard time breathing.
Mild wheezing that occurs along with symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory infection does not always need to be treated. See a healthcare professional if you don't know why you're wheezing, your wheezing keeps coming back or it happens along with any of these symptoms:
- Trouble breathing.
- Rapid breathing.
- Blue or gray skin color.
Seek emergency care if wheezing:
- Begins right away after being stung by a bee, taking medicine or eating an allergy-causing food.
- Occurs while you're having a very hard time breathing or your skin looks blue or gray.
- Occurs after choking on a small object or food.
Self-care measures
To ease mild wheezing related to a cold or upper respiratory infection, try these tips:
- Moisturize the air. Use a humidifier, take a steamy shower or sit in the bathroom with the door closed while running a hot shower. Moist air might ease mild wheezing sometimes.
- Drink fluids. Warm liquids can relax your airway and loosen up sticky mucus in your throat.
- Stay away from tobacco smoke. Smoking or being exposed to smoke can worsen wheezing.
- Take all prescribed medicines. Follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Show References
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- Kryger MH, et al., eds. Overlap syndromes of sleep and breathing disorders. In: Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- Wheezing. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/symptoms-of-pulmonary-disorders/wheezing. Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- Weiner DL. Acute respiratory distress in children: Emergency evaluation and initial stabilization. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
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- Fakhoury K. Evaluation of wheezing in infants and children. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- Redding G. Role of viruses in wheezing and asthma: An overview. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- Pappas DE. The common cold in children: Management and prevention. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- Symptoms of lung cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/symptoms/index.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
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Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/wheezing/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050764