Do you also hear a wheezing sound when you breathe? (Wheezing) Let's be aware of this

When you breathe, especially when you exhale, do you hear a low, 'soo... soo...' sound from inside your chest, like a bird screaming? Sometimes this can be a 'whooping' sound that comes from mucus. In medicine, we call this wheezing . This can sometimes be caused by something as simple as a common cold, so it's nothing to worry about. However, sometimes it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. So let's talk about this today, namely the causes, what you can do at home, and when you should see a doctor.

What exactly is wheezing?

Simply put, wheezing is the low-pitched whistling sound that is made when the airways that carry air to your lungs become narrowed for some reason. It's like the sound of an inflated balloon being blown out with a slight opening.

This sound is most clearly heard when you exhale (exhale), but it can also be heard when you inhale (inhale). Some wheezing sounds are so faint that they can only be heard by a doctor with a stethoscope. But some are audible to us. The nature of this sound also varies depending on where in the airways the airways are narrowed. If the airways are narrowed in the throat, it can make a slightly hoarse sound. When the small airways inside the lungs are narrowed, the sound can take on a musical quality similar to a clarinet.

Who can see this situation most often?

Wheezing is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Everyone from infants to elderly adults can experience it.

• Babies and children: Babies' airways are naturally very small. So even a small cold or a little mucus can easily narrow the airways, causing wheezing. This condition affects about 25% to 30% of babies under the age of one. It is also more common in children under 2 years of age, as viral infections are more common.
• Adults: Older adults, especially those who smoke , those with lung damage (emphysema), and those with conditions such as heart failure, are more likely to develop wheezing.
• People with asthma and allergies: Wheezing is a very common experience for people with asthma and various allergies.

What are the main reasons for this sound when breathing?

There is not one single cause of wheezing, there can be many reasons. Some of them are common, while others can be serious medical conditions. Let's take a look at what these causes are.

Things you can do at home to control wheezing

If the cause of your wheezing is not serious, you may be able to find relief with some simple things. But remember, these things are only to relieve the symptoms. If your wheezing is frequent or severe, you should definitely see a doctor.

• Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or using a vaporizer moistens the airways, loosens mucus, and makes breathing easier.
• Drinking warm liquids: Drinking warm beverages like ginger tea or cilantro can help relax the airways.
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke, the best thing you can do is to quit. Also, avoid being around other people who smoke (secondhand smoke).
• Using an Air Purifier: If you are allergic to things like dust, using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove harmful substances from the air in your home.
• Avoiding allergens: If you know what triggers your allergies (e.g. certain perfumes, dust), stay away from those things as much as possible.

How do you need medical treatment?

Wheezing is treated by finding the underlying cause and treating that cause. When you go to a doctor, he or she will examine you and try to find the cause.

• If it's due to asthma: Inhalers , such as bronchodilators, may be prescribed to open the airways and reduce swelling. Sometimes oral tablets (such as montelukast) may also be given.
• If it is due to a bacterial infection (bronchitis, pneumonia): Antibiotics will be prescribed. An inhaler may also be given temporarily.

When should you see a doctor urgently?

If you have any of the following symptoms along with wheezing, it could be a sign of a serious condition. So see a doctor or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• Severe difficulty breathing or very rapid breathing.
• Blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernails. This means that the body is not getting enough oxygen. This is a very serious emergency.
• Chest tightness or pain .
• Feeling confused or having altered consciousness.
• Swelling of the lips or tongue (this can be a sign of a severe allergy).

When to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU)

• If you feel like you can't breathe and are gasping for breath .
• If you suddenly start wheezing and feel like you're having trouble breathing after being stung by an animal like a bee, taking a new medication, or eating a certain food, this could be a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
• If you see the symptoms mentioned above, such as blue skin discoloration .

If you are alone at this time, immediately call 1990 and tell them your situation. If there is someone at home, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.

How does the doctor find the cause?

When you see a doctor, he will ask you a few questions.

• When did the wheezing start?
• Is it getting more and more?
• Are you there all day or do you come and go?
• Does it increase in time when you exercise, like when you bend over?

Then, the chest is listened to with a stethoscope. If necessary, the following tests may be done to determine the exact cause:

• Pulse Oximetry: Measuring the oxygen level in the blood with a small device attached to the finger.
• Chest X-ray.
• Pulmonary function tests.
• Blood tests.

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