Wheezing is defined by Medline Plus as a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during troubled breathing. The high-pitched sound is most audible during exhalation but can occasionally be heard during inhalation as well. Wheezing occurs when air flows through breathing tubes that have been narrowed due to a disease or respiratory condition.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is characterized by attacks of inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs. When the airways narrow, less air can flow into the lungs, which causes the airways to narrow even more, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The extreme narrowness of the airways in the lungs results in repeated episodes of wheezing. In addition to periods of wheezing, symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. A number of factors can trigger an asthma attack. These factors include allergens, cigarette smoke, pollution, certain medications, colds and exercise. Asthma is treated with a combination of fast-acting medications and long-term control medications. Fast-acting medications are usually inhaled and provide quick relief from symptoms. Long-term control medications work by reducing inflammation and keeping the airways from narrowing.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the most common lung disease, and most cases of the disease involve a combination of bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occurs when the airways in the lungs are damaged. This damage is usually due to smoking but can also be a result of exposure to certain fumes, secondhand smoke and pollution, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include wheezing, shortness of breath, mucus-containing cough, fatigue and recurring respiratory infections. Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be eased with inhaled medications that reduce inflammation and open the airways in the lungs. Severe cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require the use of supplemental oxygen.
Bronchitis
The bronchial tubes are the airways that carry air into and out of the lungs. Bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis--acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition usually caused by viruses, secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing condition usually caused by smoking, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of bronchitis include wheezing, cough, increased mucus production, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue and fever. Treatment of acute bronchitis usually consists of antibiotics to get rid of underlying infection. The use of an inhaler may be necessary to keep the airways from narrowing. Chronic bronchitis is treated with an inhaler and pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a series of lung exercises aimed at improving breathing capability.
