Wheezing
• Wheezing is a high-pitched, musical type of sound that occurs from the lungs while breathing and is louder with expiration.
• Wheezing is the sound that occurs from partially obstructive airflow through the airways of the lungs.
• Wheezing is usually a sign of asthma, the disease of over-reactive airways.
• Wheezing can also occur from:
· Allergic reaction
· Anaphylaxis
· Exercising in certain individuals
· Infection or inflammation of the lungs
· Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis from smoking)
· Congestive heart failure (cardiac asthma)
· Bronchitis
· Pneumonia
· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux into the bronchioles causing inflammation)
· Pulmonary embolism
· Angioedema
· Vocal cord dysfunction
• Wheezing can be a serious sign and should be evaluated by your doctor.
Posted on September 24, 2008
