What is wheezing?
Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistling sound that occurs during breathing due to a partial blockage in the airway. Generally, the wheezing sound is most noticeable when expelling air, although it can also be heard when taking a breath.
It is a disease that occurs as a result of a blockage in the larger airways or in people with certain vocal cord problems.
Prognosis of the disease
Wheezing is a sign that a person may be having breathing problems, but it usually improves with proper treatment.
Symptoms of wheezing
There are a number of symptoms that are of concern in patients who wheeze. These symptoms are as follows:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness to make respiratory efforts
- Decreased level of consciousness
- Swelling of the face
- Swelling of the tongue
Medical tests for wheezing
To diagnose wheezing, the doctor performs a physical examination, recording temperature, as well as heart rate and respiratory rate. In addition, the patient is observed for breathing difficulties and the lungs are examined.
Occasionally, the physician performs a series of complementary tests to assess the severity and confirm the diagnosis. These tests include the following:
- Chest X-ray
- Arterial blood gases
- Pulmonary function tests
- Pulse oximetry
What causes wheezing?
When wheezing is recurrent, the person may have respiratory problems, including:
- Inhalation of a foreign body into the lungs
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Emphysema (COPD), especially when a respiratory infection is present
- Insect stings that cause an allergic reaction
- Heart failure (cardiac asthma)
- Pneumonia
- Medications, particularly acetylsalicylic acid
- Viral infection, especially in infants under 2 years of age
- Smoking
Can they be prevented?
They can be prevented by strengthening the respiratory system and following a series of guidelines:
- Keep recurrent spaces free of dust
- Wrap up well in winter
- Avoid foods that produce mucus
- Drinking water
- Inhaling steam
Treatments for wheezing
Treatment of wheezing is aimed at solving the problem that causes it. In general, bronchodilators, substances that widen the airways, can relieve wheezing. Oral corticosteroids may also be given for one to two weeks, which help relieve acute crises if they are due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma.
If the wheezing is due to a severe allergic reaction, it is treated with intravenous antihistamines, corticosteroids, bronchodilators and epinephrine (adrenaline) injected under the skin.
Which specialist treats it?
The physician in charge of treating wheezing is the pediatric specialist.