Cold wheezing cough: what you should know

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound caused by narrowed lower airways, often more noticeable when breathing out. A viral infection can inflame the airways and make mucus harder to clear. Acute bronchitis may cause cough and chest irritation. Asthma can flare during an infection or after exposure to cold air, smoke or allergens. In children, bronchiolitis can cause noisy breathing and feeding difficulty. Sudden wheezing with lip or tongue swelling, rash or throat tightness can be anaphylaxis and needs emergency treatment.

Rest, drink fluids, avoid smoke and keep the air around you free from strong fragrances. Sit upright if coughing feels worse while lying down. If you have a prescribed reliever inhaler, follow your personal action plan and do not share inhalers. A clinician can listen to your chest and decide whether testing, inhaled medicine or a nebuliser treatment is appropriate. Antibiotics do not treat every cough, so use them only when prescribed.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak comfortably, faintness, chest pressure, or swelling of the mouth or throat. Arrange prompt assessment for a first episode of wheezing, rapidly worsening symptoms, a persistent fever, or an inhaler that is not giving the expected relief. Children who are struggling to feed or becoming unusually sleepy need urgent review.

Could this be asthma, bronchitis or an infection? How should I use my reliever medicine? Which warning signs require emergency care?