Does allergic rhinitis cause wheezing?

Allergic inflammation can affect the nose and the airways. A blocked nose may make breathing feel harder, while wheezing usually comes from narrowed air passages in the chest and is heard most clearly when breathing out. Cough, chest tightness or breathlessness may occur with it. Viral illness, asthma, smoke and other irritants can also cause wheezing, so the sound alone cannot identify its cause.

Move away from smoke, strong fragrances or a suspected allergen and sit upright. Keep any prescribed reliever inhaler available and use it only as directed. Treating nasal allergy may reduce upper-airway symptoms, but it should not replace an asthma plan or an assessment of wheezing. Record when the sound starts, what triggers it and whether exercise or sleep makes it worse.

Seek urgent help if wheezing comes with severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, faintness, confusion, chest pain, or difficulty speaking in full sentences. Get prompt medical advice for a first episode, symptoms that are worsening, or wheezing that returns at night or with activity. Children with laboured breathing also need urgent assessment.

Ask whether your pattern suggests asthma or another airway problem, how to use any inhaler correctly, and which allergy measures are appropriate. Tell the clinician about previous breathing episodes, medicines, smoke exposure and recent infections.