Wheezing

A continuous, predominantly expiratory, high-pitched musical breath sound produced by turbulent airflow through narrowed or partially obstructed airways, typically reflecting airflow limitation in the intrathoracic respiratory tract.

Causes

• Obstructive airway diseases

  • Asthma

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Bronchitis

  • Bronchiolitis

• Infectious and inflammatory causes

  • Pneumonia

  • Laryngitis

• Anaphylaxis

• Inhaled irritants

  • Cigarette smoke

  • Dust

  • Toxic fumes

  • Chemical irritants

• Heart failure ("cardiac asthma")

• Pulmonary edema

• Mechanical and structural causes

  • Foreign-body aspiration

  • Vocal cord dysfunction

  • Airway tumors or other focal obstruction

• Acid reflux

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux

• Medication-related bronchospasm