Chest wheezing is often a sign of a form of respiratory disease, such as COPD or asthma. In this type of condition, a narrowing or inflammation of the airways occurs, which eventually interferes with the passage of air and causes the appearance of a characteristic sound, called wheezing.
However, wheezing can also indicate a heart problem, as cardiac dysfunction can make it easier for fluids to build up in the lungs, making it difficult for air to pass through the airways.
- Thus.
- Because wheezing is almost always related to a certain type of health problem.
- It is recommended to consult a gpated doctor to try to understand the cause.
- Be referred to the best specialist and initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Here are some of the most common causes of wheezing
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes shortness of breath, especially after a person is exposed to a certain type of allergen, such as animal hair or dust, for example. It is a major cause of wheezing during breathing and may be associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and tightness in the chest.
What to do: Asthma is incurable, but can be treated with the use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators. Treatment depends on the person’s medical history and should therefore always be guided by a pneumologist. Learn more about asthma treatment options.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a condition that includes chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema, which are, in addition to asthma, other common causes of wheezing in the chest.
In addition to wheezing, other symptoms characteristic of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing and shortness of breath. Gain a better understanding of COPD and see how the diagnosis is performed.
What to do: Treatment of COPD involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding the use of cigarettes, for example, in addition to performing a treatment guided by a pneumologist, which usually involves the use of corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia can also cause wheezing, as they are diseases that make breathing difficult, causing shortness of breath and mucus production. Learn how to identify and treat a respiratory infection.
What to do: Treatment of respiratory infections is done with antibiotics, if it is an infection caused by bacteria, it is necessary, in some cases, to administer corticosteroids and bronchodilators, to reduce inflammation and facilitate breathing.
Rest, hydration and a balanced diet are also measures that accelerate healing.
Exposure to cigarette smoke is a risk factor for developing respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or worsening asthma, which eventually contributes to airway inflammation and wheezing.
What to do: To avoid developing lung disease or worsening an existing disease, you should stop smoking. See 8 Smoking Cessation Tips.
Inhalation of a foreign body or body, such as a small toy, usually occurs in children and can be a very dangerous situation, as it can cause airway obstruction.
The first symptoms that may appear are shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, which will depend on the area where the object was trapped.
What to do: If an object is inhaled under suspicion, it is recommended that you immediately go to the medical emergency room.
The existence of a heart problem, such as heart failure, is also one of the most common causes of wheezing, especially in elderly patients. Because the heart does not pump blood properly, there may be a buildup of fluids in the lungs, resulting in inflammation of the tissues and greater difficulty passing the air, causing wheezing.
Other common symptoms in people with heart problems include excessive fatigue during the day, swelling of the legs, shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough, for example. Discover 11 signs that can be a sign of heart problems.
What to do: Whenever a heart problem is suspected, it is very important to consult a cardiologist, to identify the cause and initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Sleep apnea is the main cause of sleep wheezing, which can also develop into snoring. This condition causes a momentary pause in breathing or shortness of breath during sleep, due to a change in the muscles of the larynx that causes the airways to block.
In addition to sounds that occur during sleep, sleep apnea can also cause a person to wake up tired, as if they had exercised in their sleep.
What to do: Treatment of sleep apnea can be done by using an appropriate device, called CPAP, or by surgery, when the use of the device is not sufficient. Learn more about treating sleep apnea.
Gastroesophageal reflux refers to the return of the stomach contents to the esophagus and mouth, which can damage the upper respiratory tract due to the acidity of gastric juice. Although the most common symptoms are heartburn, poor digestion and burning in the esophagus and mouth, constant contact with the airways can also cause hoarseness, coughing and wheezing.
What to do: Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is done through changes in eating habits and medications that protect and reduce heartburn in the stomach. Discover the most common remedies used to treat reflux.