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Wheezing - MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
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Wheezing

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Lungs
Lungs

Alternative Names    Return to top

Sibilant rhonchi

Definition    Return to top

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

Considerations    Return to top

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

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

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

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.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if:

If wheezing is severe or occurs with severe shortness of breath, you may have to go directly to the nearest emergency department.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

The physical examination may include listening to the lung sounds (auscultation). If your child is the one with symptoms, the doctor will make sure he or she did not swallow a foreign object.

Tests that may be done include:

Your doctor may prescribe drugs to relieve narrowing of the airways, such as albuterol.

A hospital stay may be needed if:

References    Return to top

Schatz M. Asthma in adolescents and adults. In: Rakel P, Bope ET, eds. Conn???s Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 189.

Update Date: 5/12/2009

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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