Wheezing

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Wheezing

Wheezing (/ˈwiːzɪŋ/) is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing. It's often associated with difficulty breathing. Wheezing may occur during breathing out (expiration) or breathing in (inspiration).

Etymology

The term "wheeze" is derived from the Old Norse word "hvæsa" which means to hiss.

Symptoms and Causes

Inflammation and narrowing of the airway in any location, from your throat out into your lungs, can result in wheezing. The most common causes of recurrent wheezing are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it can also be due to other severe illnesses such as congestive heart failure (CHF), pneumonia, allergies, and bronchitis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of wheezing involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider where they listen to the breathing sounds. Further tests such as a chest X-ray, spirometry, and bronchoprovocation test may be conducted to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment of wheezing depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications to open the airways (bronchodilators), inhaled steroids, and, in some cases, antibiotics if an infection is present. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

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