Wheezing occurs when your airways get tightened or inflamed making your breathing sound like whistling that makes it difficult for you to breathe.

Types of wheezing

There are two types wheezing; inspiratory wheezing which happens when you inhale and expiratory wheezing which happens when you exhale. Your airways get more narrowed during expiratory wheezing so it’s easier to hear it.

Wheezing among children or infants can either be transient which is temporary and persistent which lasts for a longer period of time. Transient wheezing happens during a child’s infection and stops when they have recovered from the infection. Persistent wheezing continues even when the child grows up or when they’re prone to allergies. According to a report, around 50% of children by the age of 6 have at least one episode of wheezing.

Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Wheezing can happen due to cold, allergies and pulmonary diseases. However, the most common cause of wheezing is asthma and sometimes wheezing can also be a symptom of asthma. Some symptoms of wheezing include labored breathing, chest pain, and cough.

Treatment of wheezing depends on what causes it. If it’s caused by asthma, it can be treated by either using medicines for quick relief such as anticholinergics or using long-term medicines like immunomodulators and oral corticosteroids to control it.  

What should you do about your wheezing?

Below are some home remedies for wheezing:

Inhale steam: Inhaling steam can help clear your sinuses and open your airways. You can either take a steam bath or do a steam therapy at home. Pour boiling hot water into a large bowl; add eucalyptus oil or some menthol in the water, wrap a towel around your head, and inhale steam from the bowl and tap on your back and chest gently for better results.

Do breathing exercises: According to a study, breathing exercises have effective results to ease the difficulty in breathing due to wheezing caused by asthma.

Install Humidifiers and air filters at home: Wheezing can get worse during cold and dry temperatures and keeping humidifiers increases moisture levels in your room that helps reduce the congestion.

Wheezing can also worsen when the air around you is polluted due to the presence of allergens so installing an air filter in your home can help clean the air and reduce irritants that cause wheezing.

When should you consult a doctor?

Mild wheezing is short-term and can happen due to cold but if your cough worsens, your wheezing keeps coming back or you notice blueness on your skin; you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re based in Alpine, Odessa or Big Spring, TX, contact Dr. John D. Bray who specializes in pulmonary conditions. Dr. Bray has vast knowledge, training, and experience to help you find solutions to your wheezing or any other breathing problems.

Schedule your appointment today by calling at 432-561-8183.