Does inhaler therapy help with wheezing?

Wheezing is a whistling sound produced when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes. Asthma and some infections can inflame or tighten the airways, allowing a reliever inhaler to improve airflow. A preventer may reduce recurring airway inflammation when taken regularly. Wheezing can also occur with an allergic reaction, an inhaled object, chronic lung disease, or another problem, so an inhaler should not be used as a general test or borrowed from someone else.

Use your prescribed inhaler exactly as directed and have your technique checked, since poor coordination can reduce the amount reaching the lungs. Move away from smoke, dust, or another known trigger, and sit upright while monitoring your breathing. Note whether the wheeze is new, occurs at night, follows exercise, or comes with cough or chest tightness. A clinician can decide whether a breathing test or treatment review is needed.

Seek emergency help for wheezing with severe breathlessness, swelling of the lips or tongue, widespread hives, blue or grey lips, drowsiness, faintness, choking, or difficulty speaking. Urgent care is also needed if wheezing starts suddenly or does not improve with your prescribed rescue plan.

Ask what is causing the wheeze, which inhaler is for immediate relief, how to use it with your device, and when persistent symptoms require a treatment review.