Wheezing when breathing happens because the airways in the lungs are narrowed, inflamed, or partially blocked, causing a high-pitched, whistling sound as air moves in or out. This narrowing or blockage can be due to various causes including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, allergies, bronchitis, or inhaling a foreign object. The wheezing sound results from air struggling to pass through these narrowed passages during breathing.
Common Causes of Wheezing
- Asthma : Airways become swollen and produce extra mucus, narrowing the airways and causing difficulty in breathing along with wheezing.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) : Long-term damage usually from smoking causes airway narrowing and wheezing.
- Respiratory infections : Such as colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia can inflame the airways and cause wheezing.
- Allergic reactions : Exposure to allergens can cause airway constriction.
- Bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis : Conditions causing airway damage or infection.
- Foreign body obstruction : Inhaled object partially blocking the airway.
- Other causes include acid reflux, heart failure, certain medications, and vocal cord issues.
If wheezing is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain or severe difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, wheezing is a symptom indicating airway narrowing or blockage, commonly due to asthma, COPD, infections, or allergic reactions.
