Respiratory conditions
Wheezing means you are having a problem with breathing. Air is flowing through swollen or tight breathing tubes.
Signs & Symptoms
* A high-pitched squeaky or whistling sound. This is heard more on breathing out than in.
* Chest tightness.
Causes
* Asthma (the main cause).
* Allergic reactions.
* Congestive heart failure.
* Respiratory infections.
* Something caught in the windpipe.
* Smoking, air pollution, etc.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Medication to relieve narrowing of the airways is usually given for acute attacks of wheezing.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
* Take prescribed medicines as directed.
* Drink plenty of fluids.
* Use a cool-mist vaporizer.
* Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.
* Chew foods well before swallowing. When you eat, try not to laugh and swallow at the same time.
* Keep small objects that can easily be inhaled away from children under age 5.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine