Deep cough and wheezing

Wheezing is a whistling or musical sound caused by air passing through narrowed airways. Acute Bronchitis can temporarily irritate them, while Asthma can cause variable narrowing with cough, chest tightness, or breathlessness. Allergic Rhinitis may add drainage and throat irritation. Bronchiolitis is a concern in babies and young children. COPD can cause persistent airflow limitation, especially with long-term smoke exposure. Anaphylaxis may cause sudden wheeze with swelling, hives, or collapse and requires emergency action.

Sit upright, stay away from smoke and other known triggers, and use a prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as your clinician has instructed. Do not borrow another person’s inhaler. Note whether symptoms follow exercise, infection, allergens, or a particular time of day. If a nebuliser has been prescribed, use Nebuliser Treatment only according to the supplied instructions and clinical plan. Keep calm, but do not delay help if breathing is becoming difficult.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak in full sentences, blue or grey lips, exhaustion, fainting, confusion, or sudden wheeze with facial or throat swelling. Arrange prompt assessment for a first episode, repeated night symptoms, worsening cough, fever, chest pain, or poor response to prescribed treatment. A child with ribs pulling in, pauses in breathing, or difficulty feeding needs urgent review.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Asthma, infection, allergy, or another airway problem; whether you need an inhaler plan; and how to recognise an attack. Mention smoking exposure, allergies, previous episodes, and all medicines.