Causes of wheezing

Asthma can cause variable wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness, sometimes after exercise, cold air or an irritant. Acute Bronchitis may produce wheezing during a respiratory infection. COPD can narrow airflow over time, particularly in people with a history of smoking or other lung irritants.

Allergic Rhinitis can worsen breathing symptoms through nasal congestion, while Anaphylaxis can cause sudden wheezing with swelling, hives, throat tightness or collapse. The sound may come from the chest or upper airway, so the setting and other symptoms help determine its significance.

Move away from smoke, strong scents and other suspected triggers, sit upright and rest. Follow a prescribed reliever plan if you have one; do not use another person's inhaler. Note the onset, triggers, duration, fever, cough and response to prescribed treatment.

A clinician can listen to your chest and decide whether you need inhalers, breathing tests or treatment for infection or allergy. A Nebuliser Treatment may be used in selected settings, but it is not suitable for every cause of wheezing.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, difficulty speaking, confusion, collapse, throat or tongue swelling, or rapidly worsening wheeze. Seek same-day advice for a new wheeze, wheezing after a suspected allergic exposure, chest pain, high fever or symptoms that are not settling with your prescribed plan.

Is the wheeze coming from my lungs or upper airway? Could asthma, infection or allergy explain the trigger? Do I need an inhaler plan, breathing tests or review of medicines and exposures?