Wheezing is one of the most common symptoms recognised by people and is experienced by everyone at some point. The high-pitched rattling sound of the airway often makes people connect this symptom to asthma. However, various other conditions such as bronchitis, aspirating and pneumonia can also be connected to the symptom.
Consulting with the best pulmonologist in Siliguri will allow you to understand your lung and chest health and the probability of asthma. Through this blog, you will be able to understand wheezing, the possible causes, and aspects related to its treatment.
What is wheezing?
Wheezing is the shrill whistling or coarse rattling sound heard while taking a breath. It is caused by a narrowing of the airway or a possible blockage. This sound is heard more loudly when breathing out but can be heard while inhaling through a stethoscope. In some instances, pulmonologists connect wheezing to respiratory allergies, which can often come along with Hay fever season.
This symptom is found commonly in children and older adults. In older adults, this is often caused by smoking, heart conditions or emphysema. Children often face this symptom, as their airway is smaller. Children younger than the age of 2 are prone to wheezing as they are often prone to upper respiratory infections.
What are the causes of wheezing?
- Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease which causes the airways to be narrowed or swollen increasing the difficulty in breathing. This is considered to be one of the major reasons for wheezing. While the cause of asthma is not confirmed, exposure to dust, pollen or even mould can be a trigger for this condition. Viral illnesses also affect asthma symptoms and can make this condition worse.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
This is a progressive lung condition, which causes other conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is caused due to long-term exposure to airway irritants such as polluted air, smoke, dust or even chemicals. Like asthma, this condition also leads to inflammation or narrowing of the airway, which further results in wheezing. Patients with COPD are often found to be prone to chronic cough or excessive mucus production.
- Allergic reactions
People allergic to pollen, dust mites, pet dander or even mould can be affected with wheezing as a trigger response. The immune system of patients with allergies releases various chemicals when exposed to allergens. This chemical in turn can cause inflammation of the airways, causing them to have intermittent wheezing during a certain season or allergen exposure. The best pulmonologist in Siliguri can provide you with details regarding the connection between allergies and wheezing.
- Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition caused by the inflammation of the airways that make their way towards the lungs, which causes wheezing. There are two types of bronchitis, Acute and Chronic. This condition is caused by a variety of viruses whether they are infectious or non-infectious, Bronchitis can also be caused by bacteria pollution as well as irritants such as cigarette smoke.
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a kind of infection which infects the lungs. It can cause serious inflammation and fluid build-up causing issues with oxygen exchange. Along with wheezing, the affected people face various symptoms such as fever, cough, chills and rapid breathing. This condition also has the potential to be fatal as it can cause respiratory failure, sepsis and lung abscess.
- Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV)
This is a common infection affecting children during certain seasons. It is highly contagious and often feels like a common cold. Infants and some adults have the potential to be affected severely with the symptoms causing complications.
How is wheezing diagnosed and treated?
While wheezing is not a serious symptom, it can be crucial to see a doctor if they are accompanied by coughing blood, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Additionally, if wheezing is persistent, occurs frequently, or worsens over time, a healthcare provider will need to perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Pulmonologists perform a wide range of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the wheezing and provide the appropriate treatment method.
They may make the patient go through a physical examination along with extra tests such as chest X-ray, spirometry or allergy testing.
We can conclude by stating that wheezing is not always a sign of asthma. While asthma is a common cause of wheezing, several other conditions, including respiratory infections, allergies, COPD, and Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), can lead to wheezing. If you’re experiencing wheezing and need expert guidance, it’s important to seek the help of the best pulmonologist in Siliguri to ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
