1. Call the Doctor
Whenever you get that whistle in your chest, also known as wheezing, it's time to call the doctor. The reasons behind wheezing vary from minor illness to chronic disease. If wheezing is causing problems getting enough air, and it's after the doctor's office hours, call the after-hours number, or make a trip to the emergency room.
2. A Long List of Causes
Certain viruses and infections cause wheezing. Pneumonia, a lung condition where fluid is in the lungs, causes severe wheezing. Less severe illnesses include colds, the flu, and upper and lower respiratory infections. Certain medications, such as steroids, help clear the lungs out and eliminate the wheezing when illness causes the wheezing. In order to find out whether it's treatable by steroids or other medication, see your doctor. He will evaluate the situation and prescribe necessary medications.
3. Seriously
Wheezing accompanied with chest tightness is a sign of a serious lung condition. While asthma doesn't usually crop up later in life, it is a possibility. Also, emphysema and related conditions show up in middle to late ages, and wheezing is the main symptom associated with them. A doctor can tell whether it is asthma or another chronic lung illness by taking a full medical history, performing a physical and doing chest X-rays to rule out bacterial infections or viruses.
4. Allergic Wheezing
Another common culprit of wheezing is allergies. If wheezing is a problem mainly during a certain time of the year, or around certain things, such as pets or lakes, it's time to schedule an appointment with an allergist. They will run a full allergy panel and see what allergies are causing the problems. Allergy testing is uncomfortable, but well worth it if the results reveal the underlying problem. Plates with several dozen needles inject specific allergens into the back. The needles stick very shallow, and the main discomfort is itching during the 10 or so minutes that pass before the results can be determined. Using this information, the doctor is able to create an allergy shot that will help with symptoms and make life much more comfortable.
5. Take it Easy
Whatever the cause of the wheezing is, slow down and rest while you wait for the results. Stop working out, unless you have been clearance to continue doing so by a physician. Make sure to take care of yourself, which means proper fluid intake and taking all medications advised by your doctor.
