Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound heard when breathing. It is caused from narrowing in the airways making it difficult for air to move in and out. The narrowing of the airways can be caused by swelling or an obstruction, possibly from a foreign body or tumor. Many specific diseases present with the same symptoms: wheezing, cough and shortness of breath. In all situations where airflow is an issue, medical attention is the best measure to prevent further complications.
Asthma
Asthma is one of the diseases that will cause wheezing. It is a chronic disease that causes airway inflammation and spasms. In addition to the wheezing, patients with asthma will often complain of shortness of breath and a cough.
Bronchiolitis and Bronchitis
Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory tract infection that primarily affects children younger than 2 years of age. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms will start out similar to those of a common cold but then progress to coughing and wheezing. Bronchitis is an inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. The "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum" indicates elements like pollen, smoking or inhalation of irritating substances are possible causes of the inflammation. Bronchitis will cause shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.
COPD and Emphysema
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema are two other diseases that will cause wheezing. Emphysema affects the smallest air passages of the lungs called the bronchioles causing them to collapse. According to the Mayo Clinic, emphysema is a factor in the progression of COPD. The "Current Diagnosis & Treatment Emergency Medicine" states that COPD is an obstructive lung disease frequently seen in patients with a long history of cigarette smoking.
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the lid that covers the windpipe swells and blocks airflow into the lungs. The patient with epiglottitis will have fever, drooling and severe sore throat in addition to wheezing.
Pneumonia and RSV
Pneumonia is another common disease that may present with wheezing. The patient may also have a fever, cough and chest or abdominal pain. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral infection of the lungs and respiratory tract. RSV is common in children under 2 years of age, but also affects older children and adults. Symptoms are similar to the common cold, but may include a high fever and wheezing.
Foreign bodies and tumors
Any time there is a partial obstruction in the airway it will cause wheezing. A peanut, for example can become lodged in the airway and allow small amounts of airflow to pass which will cause the wheezing sound. Tumors can have the same effect as a foreign body.
References
- "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum"; Saunders Elsevier; 2007
- Mayo Clinic: Wheezing: Causes
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment Emergency Medicine" ; McGraw Hill; 2008
