Wheezing and a respiratory problem

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Wheezing and a respiratory problem

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound heard when air passes through a narrowed passageway. Wheezing is caused by spasms, swelling, mucus, or inflammation in the medium and large air passages in the lungs (bronchi). Wheezing may be heard when you breathe in or out. Often wheezing begins or becomes worse at night.

Inflammation of the airways or the lung tissue itself can cause shortness of breath. Spasm and swelling of the airways or mucus trapped in the air passages of the lungs can also reduce airflow and cause wheezing. Examples of diseases that may cause wheezing include:

• Bronchitis, an inflammation and irritation of the airways (bronchial tubes) that lead into the lungs, usually caused by infection with a virus.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that makes it difficult to breathe because air does not flow easily out of the lungs.
• Asthma, an inflammation or spasm in the tubes that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes).

Infections of the lung or lower airway may impair lung function or may cause wheezing. If fever and cough are also present, a lung or lower airway infection may be present.

Credits

Last updated:	March 06, 2006
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer