What should you know about emphysema wheezing?

Wheezing is often a high-pitched sound, especially when breathing out. In someone with emphysema or COPD, it may reflect airflow limitation, mucus or an irritated airway. Wheezing is also a common presentation of asthma, and acute bronchitis can cause temporary noisy breathing. Allergic rhinitis may add nasal symptoms, while bronchiolitis mainly affects young children. The sound alone cannot identify its cause.

Record when the wheeze starts, whether it follows exertion, infection, smoke or an allergen, and whether you also have cough or chest tightness. Use prescribed inhalers exactly as taught and avoid smoke and other known irritants. A clinician may check oxygen levels, listen to your chest and adjust treatment. A nebuliser treatment may be used in some acute situations, depending on the assessment.

Arrange review for new, persistent or recurrent wheezing, particularly with reduced activity, fever or a change in sputum. Seek emergency help if breathing becomes severe, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you feel faint, or wheezing follows a possible allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can worsen quickly and needs urgent treatment.

Could this wheeze be from emphysema, asthma, infection or an allergy? How should I use my reliever plan? Which warning signs mean I need urgent care?