Do you also hear a wheezing sound when you breathe? (Wheezing) Let's find out more about this.

Have you ever heard a faint 'soo... soo...' sound when you breathe, especially when you exhale? You may not be aware of it, but someone close to you may hear it. In medicine, we call this condition ' wheezing '. It can be caused by something as simple as a cold and go away on its own. But sometimes, it can be a symptom of a long-term illness, such as asthma, or a more serious condition. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

How does this wheezing sound actually come about?

Simply put, wheezing occurs when the airways that carry air to our lungs become narrowed for some reason. Think of it like the sound we make when we blow into a flute, and the 'whoosh' sound is created when air rushes through a narrowed airway.

This sound is often heard when we exhale . This is because our airways usually narrow a bit when we exhale. So if they are additionally swollen or blocked with something like mucus, this sound can be heard clearly.

But sometimes, especially when breathing is more difficult , this sound can also be heard when breathing in . If this sound is heard both when breathing in and out, it means that the airways have become significantly narrowed.

What are the main causes of wheezing?

Wheezing is not a disease, but a symptom. That means there are various diseases that can cause it. Let's look at the main causes.

Should we be worried about wheezing in small babies?

As a parent , it's normal to be scared when your little one makes this kind of wheezing sound. But know this. Babies and young children are more likely to wheeze. This is because their airways are much smaller.

So even if you get a minor cold, those little airways can quickly swell, fill with mucus, and make a wheezing sound. Most of the time, this is not serious.Although some babies experience wheezing repeatedly, this condition goes away on its own as they get older, that is, around 4-5 years old, as their airways develop. Therefore, just because a baby has wheezing, it cannot be concluded that it is asthma.

What can be done to reduce wheezing?

If your wheezing is a condition similar to a common cold that doesn't cause difficulty breathing, there are a few simple things you can do at home.

Things you can do at home

• Breathe in moist air: You can use a humidifier. Alternatively, it's a good idea to take a hot shower, or close the bathroom door and run a hot shower and breathe in the steam for a while.
• Drink something warm: Drinking something warm like water, tea, or soup can relax your airways and help loosen sticky mucus.
• Avoid smoking completely: If you are a smoker, quit. And avoid being around people who smoke.
• Keep the air clean: If you have allergies , using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter can reduce harmful dust particles and pollen in the air.

Breathing exercises

These make your breathing easier and help reduce wheezing.

1. Pursed-Lip Breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose. Then, purse your lips as if you were blowing a trumpet, and breathe out slowly for twice as long as you inhaled. This increases the pressure inside your airways and helps them open up.

2. Belly Breathing : Breathe in through your nose. Place your hands on your stomach and feel it expand. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth for twice or three times the time it took you to inhale. This will relax the muscles in your chest.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

Wheezing can sometimes be serious, so be very aware of these symptoms.

If your doctor has prescribed you a treatment for wheezing, for example an inhaler, it is very important to use it exactly as prescribed. Many people stop taking their medication because they think, 'I feel better now.' But in conditions like asthma, there are medications that you should use even when you are not experiencing symptoms. So follow your doctor's instructions.