Wheezing is a relatively high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing when the airways are partially blocked or narrowed. Wheezing is caused by a narrowing of the airways

Symptoms:

Wheezing is a common symptom of infection or respiratory conditions in children. Sometimes it is just a minor symptom of a cold or the flu, but in other cases it can be a sign of a more serious chest infection or a condition like asthma. Although hearing your baby wheezing can be very worrying, it isn’t usually a sign of anything serious. However, it is important to know how to recognise the signs that your baby needs to see a doctor when he or she is wheezing. Sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious infection that requires urgent treatment. In other cases, persistent wheezing can be the first indication that your child is affected by a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma.

Wheezing is often accompanied by a recurring cough that is dry or brings up sputum (also called phlegm). Other symptoms depend on the cause and may include fever, runny nose, and feeding difficulties (caused by heart failure or difficulty swallowing).

A high-pitched wheezing sound is heard when the child breathes out. If airway narrowing is severe, the wheezing sound can be heard when the child breathes in. Very ill children may also breathe rapidly, use a lot of their chest muscles to breathe, and have flaring of the nostrils and a bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis). Fever may be present in children with a lung infection.

What causes wheezing?

There are many different causes of wheezing. A person’s age, health condition, and environment can alter their risk of wheezing.

When the airways narrow due to irritation, illness, or a blockage, air moving through them can make a squeaking sound.

Some people experience other symptoms as well, including discomfort when breathing or a choking sensation.

Causes include:

Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes the airways to narrow and inflame.

Allergies: Seasonal and food allergies can cause respiratory irritation, congestion, and difficulty breathing.

Physical blockage: Food or other objects can block a person’s windpipe. It is usually a medical emergency.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a group of inflammatory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It is often due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Cold and flu: Infections that cause the common cold or flu can cause inflammation and breathing problems.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs.

Heart disease: Heart disease can cause breathing problems, coughing, and fluid in the lungs.

Signs of Wheezing in Infants

The most obvious sign of wheezing is the whistling or rattling sound when the baby inhales and exhales. But if the sound is not very audible and you suspect that your baby’s breathing is not normal, then the most common signs and symptoms of baby wheezing are:

• The baby will show faster belly movements than usual. One can even see the expansion and contraction of the chest.
• If you see the neck muscles tighten while breathing, it means the baby is distressed while breathing
• Nostrils flare up repeatedly and remain wide open. When the baby exhales, there is a whistling sound.
• Skin becomes pale, flushed, and blue. Sometimes it can even become red. This could be because of a lack of oxygen in the blood.
• Cold, cough, and fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Lack of appetite
• Shivering
• Congestion in chest, runny nose, constant sneezing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Throat pain and choking

When Should You See a Doctor About Wheezing?

Wheezing is fairly common when babies or young children have a cold that is affecting their airways. Since their airways are narrower, they are more likely to wheeze when they have an infection. You shouldn’t worry if you notice some wheezing alongside other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or fever, as long as the symptoms are mild. The wheezing should disappear within a few days as the infection clears up.

However, there are some kinds of wheezing that you should be more concerned about.

Severe Wheezing: If your baby is wheezing a lot or breathing very noisily then it is important to see a doctor. You should seek urgent care if you think that they are having trouble breathing. You should always see a doctor if the symptoms of a cold or infection are more severe than usual.

Persistent Wheezing: If your baby wheezes a lot then it could be a sign of asthma. Babies with asthma are more likely to wheeze when they have colds. Wheezing can also happen when babies or young children are exposed to triggers such as pollen, smoke, dust mites or exercise.

Asthma causes wheezing because it narrows the airways. It can be very serious if left untreated, because an asthma attack can make it hard for your child to breathe. A severe asthma attack could even be fatal, so you should always see a doctor about persistent or frequent wheezing.

Persistent wheezing could also be a sign of an allergy. The doctor can help you to identify the cause so that you can avoid it to prevent the symptoms from returning.

Wheezing without a Cold:

Wheezing in babies is usually a sign that they have a cold, but if you can hear a whistling sound when they don’t have any other symptoms then you should see a doctor. One of the most common reasons for wheezing without cold-like symptoms is that there is something stuck in the throat or airway. Babies often pick up and swallow objects they find on the ground. If something is stuck then it may need to be removed by a doctor.

In any case, if you have any doubts or concerns about your baby’s health, you should seek advice from Dr. Nirupama Tygai, as soon as possible.