It is a whistling sound heard when someone is breathing through a narrow airway. It is often more noticeable when breathing out.
Sometimes it can only be heard on auscultation with a stethoscope but in more severe cases it can be audible to the human ear.
Mild wheezing in the context of a known viral respiratory tract infection does not always require specific treatment and rapidly resolves with the self-limiting illness.
A new, recurrent or unexplained wheeze needs investigation and treatment. This is especially important if it is associated with shortness of breath. Emergency assessment is required when the wheeze onset is sudden and there is severe difficulty in breathing or a rash (e.g. severe allergic reaction).
Airways may be partially blocked or narrowed for several reasons. Common causes of wheeze include:
Dr Ricardo José investigates wheeze by first identifying whether the sound is actually wheeze and coming from narrow or compressed airways. He then carries out a detailed assessment that may include reviewing other symptoms, potential triggers, smoking history, allergies, infections, medication use, occupational exposures, and previous diagnoses such as asthma or COPD.
Depending on the clinical picture, Dr Ricardo José may arrange:
– lung function testing,
– oxygen assessment,
– blood tests, allergy or inflammation markers,
– sputum testing,
– chest X-ray, CT imaging,
– bronchoscopy.
Dr Ricardo José treats wheeze by targeting the underlying cause, relieving symptoms, and reducing the risk of future episodes.
Treatment may include inhaled bronchodilators to open the airways, anti-inflammatory treatment such as inhaled or oral corticosteroids where appropriate, antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected, airway clearance to alleviate mucus plugging of airways, and treatment plans for asthma, COPD, allergy, reflux, or infection.
Prevention may include inhaler optimisation, vaccination advice, smoking cessation, trigger avoidance, breathing strategies, and personalised follow-up.
