Wheezing

For a lay person:

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, usually breathing out, caused by narrowed airways. It is common with asthma, chest infections and smoking-related lung disease.

For a trained medical person:

Wheeze reflects airflow limitation in the intrathoracic airways: asthma, COPD, bronchiolitis, heart failure ('cardiac asthma'), foreign body, or anaphylaxis. Localized fixed wheeze suggests focal obstruction such as a tumour or foreign body. Spirometry with reversibility testing guides diagnosis.

In Chinese medicine:

Classed as wheezing (哮), distinguished from dyspnoea by the sound in the throat. Attacks are attributed to Phlegm stirred by external Wind (Cold-Phlegm or Phlegm-Fire); between attacks, to Lung, Spleen or Kidney deficiency.

When to get help: Call emergency services for wheezing with severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue lips, or swelling of the face or throat.