Wheezing and cough are common symptoms of a variety of illnesses. These symptoms frequently occur in tandem, sharing common mechanisms of development. Acute and chronic lung conditions, infections and heart problems are common causes of wheezing and cough. A thorough history and physical examination typically clarify the diagnosis, facilitating the appropriate treatment.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition of the airways marked by persistent inflammation and hyperactivity. The airways of people with asthma overreact to ordinary substances, causing chronic swelling of airway tissues and increased mucus production. The narrowing caused by inflammatory swelling is exacerbated by constriction of the airway musculature, explains the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Inflammation, airway constriction and increased mucus production provoke the classic symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, cough, shortness of breath and a sensation of chest tightness. The severity of asthma symptoms varies from one person to another and may change over time within an individual. Some people experience occasional attacks with few, if any, symptoms between episodes; others remain symptomatic much of the time. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that approximately 20 million children and adults in the United States are living with asthma.
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is a short-term illness characterized by inflammation of the lining tissues of the large lung airways. Common symptoms include cough, chest discomfort, intermittent wheezing and possibly a low-grade fever. The cough may produce sputum, which can vary in color. Acute bronchitis frequently develops after a head cold.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that viruses cause most cases of acute bronchitis. Viruses commonly associated with acute bronchitis include rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, enterovirus, coronavirus, coxsackievirus and respiratory syncytial virus. Bacterial infections cause a small percentage of cases of acute bronchitis. In a 2002 review article published in "American Family Physician," Drs. Doug Knutson and Chad Braun report that approximately 75 percent of patients recover within two weeks. The remaining 25 percent of patients may cough for as long as six to eight weeks.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a medical condition characterized by a significant decrease in the pumping capacity of the heart, which fails to meet the metabolic needs of the body. A common complication of heart failure is a backup of blood in the lung veins. The slowed delivery of blood to the heart commonly causes fluid leakage into the lung air sacs. This condition, known as pulmonary edema, characteristically causes cough, wheezing and shortness of breath, reports the American Heart Association. Symptoms are typically aggravated by lying down. Medications may help control symptoms, although heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition. The Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 5 million Americans are living with heart failure.
References
- National Heart Lung & Blood Institute: Asthma
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Asthma
- American Family Physician: Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bronchitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Bronchitis (Chest Cold)
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Acute Bronchitis
