Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound produced when breathing, typically during exhalation, due to narrowed or obstructed airways. It is both a symptom and a physical finding that can indicate various underlying respiratory conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of wheezing include:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Bronchitis
• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory infections (e.g., bronchiolitis, pneumonia)

Less common causes may include:

• Foreign body aspiration
• Heart failure (cardiac asthma)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Vocal cord dysfunction
• Tumors in the airway

Symptoms

Wheezing is often accompanied by:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing, especially during exhalation

Diagnosis

To diagnose the underlying cause of wheezing, healthcare providers may use:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Chest X-ray
• Pulmonary function tests
• Bronchodilator response testing
• CT scan (in some cases)
• Bronchoscopy (if a foreign body or tumor is suspected)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol)
• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Oxygen therapy
• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
• Removal of allergens or irritants