Dry cough with wheezing: what should you know?

Wheezing is a whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed breathing tubes. Acute Bronchitis may temporarily irritate the airways. Asthma often causes variable cough and wheeze after triggers such as exercise, cold air, smoke, dust, or allergens. COPD can also narrow airflow, particularly in people with a history of smoking or long-term airway irritation. Allergic Rhinitis may add throat irritation and drainage. In infants, Bronchiolitis can cause noisy breathing. A sudden wheeze with swelling, hives, vomiting, or throat tightness can be Anaphylaxis and is an emergency.

Move away from smoke, sprays, dust, or another suspected trigger and sit upright. Sip fluids and record when the wheeze occurs, including during sleep or activity. Use a prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as directed; do not borrow one or change the dose. A clinician may check oxygen levels, listen for airflow changes, and decide whether inhaled treatment or a Nebuliser Treatment is appropriate.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, faintness, sudden facial or throat swelling, or rapidly worsening wheeze. Seek same-day medical advice when wheezing is new, persistent, follows a suspected allergic exposure, or comes with chest pain, fever, or marked weakness. Recurrent episodes also need assessment even if they settle.

What could be narrowing my airways, and which triggers should I avoid? Do I need an inhaler plan or breathing tests? What should I do if the wheeze returns at night or during exercise?