Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air flows through narrowed breathing tubes.

Wheezing is a sign that a person may be having breathing problems. The sound of wheezing is most obvious when exhaling (breathing out), but may be heard when taking a breath (inhaling).

Wheezing most often comes from the small bronchial tubes (breathing tubes deep in the chest), but it may be due to a blockage in larger airways or in those with certain vocal cord problems.

• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Viral infection, especially in infants younger than 2 years old
• Pneumonia
• Emphysema (COPD), especially when a respiratory infection is present
• Smoking
• Insect sting which causes an allergic reaction
• Medications (particularly aspirin)
• Breathing a foreign object into the lungs
• Heart failure (cardiac asthma)

Take all of your medications, especially respiratory inhalers, as directed.

Sitting in an area where there is moist, heated air may help relieve some symptoms. This can be done running a hot shower or by using a vaporizer.