Bad cough and wheezing: what to know

Wheezing is a musical or whistling sound, often more noticeable when breathing out. Acute bronchitis or a viral infection can temporarily inflame the airways. Asthma may cause episodes after exercise, at night, or after exposure to smoke, dust or cold air. COPD can also cause persistent airflow limitation and cough, especially in people with a smoking history.

Allergic rhinitis can accompany airway irritation, while bronchiolitis mainly affects infants and young children. Wheezing that begins suddenly after food, medicine or an insect sting can be anaphylaxis. The sound and the effort needed to breathe matter more than the sound alone.

Sit upright, stay calm and move away from smoke, fragrance, dust or another known trigger. Use a prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as your action plan says. Do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. If a clinician has recommended nebuliser treatment, follow the supplied instructions rather than changing the medicine yourself.

Drink fluids and rest, but do not delay assessment to try home remedies when breathing is strained. Note when wheezing started, what triggered it, whether it is constant, and whether you can speak and walk normally.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, struggling to speak, blue or grey lips, collapse, confusion, or rapidly worsening wheeze. Sudden wheezing with swelling of the lips or tongue, hives, vomiting or dizziness can signal anaphylaxis and requires immediate treatment.

Seek same-day medical advice for a new wheeze, wheeze that persists after prescribed treatment, chest tightness, fever with worsening cough, or reduced activity in a child. A baby with fast or laboured breathing should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the pattern fits asthma, infection, allergy or another airway problem, and whether you need an inhaler plan or breathing tests. Share your medicines, allergies, smoking or vaping exposure, recent infections, trigger situations and any previous episodes.