Wheezing

What is wheezing ?

Wheezing: is characterized by a loud high pitched whistle like noise which is heard on exhalation/ expiration (breathing out) through inflamed and narrowed airways. It can also be heard during inhalation/ inspiration (breathing in) but is not very prominent.

How does it all happen?

• There is inflammation of the bronchial tubes lining through which the air passes to and fro from the lungs.

• Primary cause is due to narrowing of the airways which can be secondary to many causes mainly being a chronic respiration condition like asthma or heart failure.

Symptoms:

• Cough

• Difficulty in breathing

• Tightness of chest

• Stuffy nose

• Loss of voice

Alarming signs:

• If fever is higher than 100.4 F/ 38OC.

• Bluish discoloration of fingers, skin or nails (cyanosis) which occurs secondary to decreased oxygen levels.

• Recurrent without any obvious cause

Complications:

• If proper care and treatment is not taken, then there can be worsening of the wheezing.

• Associated with Increased respiratory symptoms and severe health related quality of life (HRQoL).

• It can cause altered mental status.

• It can aid in spreading a pre existing infection or malignancy.

Diagnosis:

• Proper Patient history: it is most essential to know the triggering factors, when it happens (day/night), personal history of smoking or any allergies and how often it happens.

Prevention:

• Avoid cigarette smoke. Quit cigarette smoking and avoid being a passive smoker as well.

• Keep air moist

• Vaccines: Getting a flu vaccine to prevent influenza and virus and vaccine to prevent certain types of pneumonia.

• Increase intake of warm liquids/ drinks.

• Use air purifiers: prevent allergens and provide better air quality around you.

Treatment:

• Cessation of smoking.

• Including Pulmonary rehabilitation like chest physiotherapy, flutter valve and high frequency chest wall oscillators.

• Bronchodilators (short and long acting)