{"id":7880,"date":"2020-03-10T20:39:06","date_gmt":"2020-03-11T03:39:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/?p=7880"},"modified":"2020-03-10T20:39:45","modified_gmt":"2020-03-11T03:39:45","slug":"wheezing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wheezing\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Should Know About Wheezing"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_1\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"overview\"><\/a> Overview<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_1\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while you breathe. It\u2019s heard most clearly when you exhale, but in severe cases, it can be heard when you inhale. It\u2019s caused by narrowed airways or inflammation.<\/p>\n<p>Wheezing may be a symptom of a serious breathing problem that requires diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_2\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"causes\"><\/a> Causes of wheezing<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_2\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common causes of wheezing, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, there are many other potential causes. Before you can put a stop to your wheezing, your doctor must determine why it\u2019s occurring.<\/p>\n<p>Wheezing may also be an indication of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>emphysema<\/li>\n<li>gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)<\/li>\n<li>heart failure<\/li>\n<li>lung cancer<\/li>\n<li>sleep apnea<\/li>\n<li>vocal cord dysfunction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Wheezing may be triggered by short-term illnesses or health emergencies, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>bronchiolitis, a viral respiratory infection<\/li>\n<li>bronchitis<\/li>\n<li>pneumonia<\/li>\n<li>respiratory tract infection<\/li>\n<li>reaction to smoking<\/li>\n<li>inhaling a foreign object<\/li>\n<li>anaphylaxis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.<\/strong> You should call 911 or your local emergency services if you begin to experience anaphylaxis symptoms such as dizziness, a swollen tongue or throat, or trouble breathing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_3\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"risk-factors\"><\/a> Risk factors for wheezing<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_3\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>Wheezing can happen to anyone. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a wheeze. Hereditary illnesses, such as asthma, can run in families.<\/p>\n<p>Wheezing can also occur in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>people with allergies<\/li>\n<li>people with lung cancer<\/li>\n<li>toddlers in day care or with older siblings, due to the increased exposure to infections<\/li>\n<li>past and current smokers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Controlling risk factors, such as smoking, may help improve wheezing. You should also avoid triggers that make you wheeze, such as pollen and other allergens.<\/p>\n<p>Some factors are out of your control, so the goal is to treat your symptoms to improve your overall quality of life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_4\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"when-to-seek-help\"><\/a> When to seek medical help<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_4\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>Tell your doctor when you experience wheezing for the first time. They\u2019ll need to know if you\u2019re wheezing and having difficulty breathing, if your skin has a bluish tinge, or if your mental state is altered. This information is important for them to have, even if this isn\u2019t your first bout of wheezing.<\/p>\n<p>If your wheezing is accompanied by difficulty breathing, hives, or a swollen face or throat, seek emergency medical care instead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_5\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"treatment\"><\/a> Treatment for wheezing<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_5\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>Treatment for wheezing has two goals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>to control the inflammation in your airways<\/li>\n<li>to open up your breathing tubes with quick-acting medications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Prescription anti-inflammatory medications can decrease inflammation and excess mucus in your airways. They typically come in the form of inhalers, but they\u2019re also available as long-acting tablets. Syrups are used for young children.<\/p>\n<p>Bronchodilators are a quick-acting medication, and they\u2019re often used to treat wheezing and help relieve a cough. They work by relaxing the smooth muscles that encircle your breathing tubes.<\/p>\n<p>Your doctor might recommend both anti-inflammatory and quick-acting medications if the wheezing is related to a long-term illness, such as asthma or COPD.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_6\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"home-remedies\"><\/a> Alternative remedies for wheezing<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_6\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>Home remedies may help improve wheezing in some people. For example, keeping your home warm and humid can open up your airways and help you breathe more easily.<\/p>\n<p>Sitting in a warm, steamy bathroom can sometimes help. Dry, cold climates can worsen wheezing, especially when exercising outdoors.<\/p>\n<p>Complementary medicines, such as herbs and supplements, may also help control your wheezing. It\u2019s important that you discuss any alternative medicines with your doctor before starting them.<\/p>\n<p>These alternative remedies may help alleviate asthma-induced wheezing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E<\/li>\n<li>ginkgo biloba<\/li>\n<li>meditation<\/li>\n<li>yoga<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_7\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"complications\"><\/a> Possible complications<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_7\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>Because wheezing can be caused by serious underlying conditions, it\u2019s important to tell your doctor when you first begin to wheeze.<\/p>\n<p>If you avoid treatment or fail to follow your treatment plan, your wheezing could worsen and cause further complications, such as shortness of breath or an altered mental state.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_8\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"prevention\"><\/a> Preventing wheezing<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_8\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>In the case of some chronic illnesses, such as asthma, wheezing can\u2019t be prevented without medical intervention. However, taking your prescribed medications along with recommended home remedies can improve your symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t discontinue your medications without your doctor\u2019s consent, even if you think that your symptoms are improving. This can lead to dangerous relapses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"TOC_TITLE_HDR_9\" class=\"content_head\"><a name=\"outlook\"><\/a> Long-term outlook<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TOC_TITLE_9\" class=\"content_body\">\n<p>The outlook for people who wheeze depends on the exact cause of their symptoms. Chronic asthma and COPD often require long-term treatment. However, wheezing that\u2019s associated with short-term illnesses usually disappears when you get well.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to tell your doctor if your wheezing reoccurs or worsens. This often means that you need a more aggressive treatment plan to prevent complications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while you breathe. It\u2019s heard most clearly when you exhale, but in severe cases, it can be heard when you inhale. It\u2019s caused by narrowed airways or inflammation. Wheezing may be a symptom of a serious breathing problem that requires diagnosis and treatment. Causes of wheezing Asthma [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[616,408,461],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","acf":{"post_type":"post","post_subtitle":"","header":"","footer":"4 minute read","mobile_content":{"mobile_story_label":"","mobile_post_title":"","mobile_carousel_image":"","mobile_hero_image":"","mobile_content_body":""},"card_title":"Read: What You Should Know About Wheezing","post_hero_image":{"ID":8524,"id":8524,"title":"wheezing","filename":"wheezing.jpg","filesize":25667,"url":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/wheezing.jpg","link":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wheezing\/wheezing\/","alt":"Man clutching his chest with his mouth open","author":"49","description":"","caption":"","name":"wheezing","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":7880,"date":"2020-03-11 03:38:24","modified":"2020-03-11 03:38:40","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":960,"height":400,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/wheezing.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":63,"medium":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/wheezing.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":125,"medium_large":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/wheezing.jpg","medium_large-width":640,"medium_large-height":267,"large":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/wheezing.jpg","large-width":640,"large-height":267,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/wheezing.jpg","1536x1536-width":960,"1536x1536-height":400,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/wheezing.jpg","2048x2048-width":960,"2048x2048-height":400}},"post_cta_status":"false","post_conclusion_status":"false","post_co_branding_status":"false"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7880"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7880"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7880\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7880"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7880"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7880"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}