Home treatment for wheezing

Wheezing is a musical or whistling sound caused by narrowed airways. It can occur with asthma, a chest infection such as acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, COPD or bronchiolitis in a young child. A wheeze can be new, intermittent or persistent, and its cause cannot be identified safely from the sound alone.

Sudden wheezing after food, medicine or an insect sting can occur with anaphylaxis. Wheezing with a cold may improve as the illness settles, while repeated episodes need a clinical review to assess the lungs and decide whether a prescribed reliever or preventer is appropriate.

Sit upright, loosen tight clothing and try to stay calm. Move away from smoke, strong scents, dust or a known allergen. If you have a prescribed reliever inhaler, use it exactly as directed and with a spacer if one has been recommended. Do not use another person's inhaler.

Keep fluids available if you can swallow comfortably, but do not force drinks when breathing is difficult. Record when the wheeze began, possible triggers, fever and the response to prescribed treatment. A nebuliser treatment is a clinical option in selected situations, not a substitute for emergency assessment.

Call emergency services immediately for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, faintness, confusion, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty speaking in full sentences. Sudden symptoms after a possible allergen require urgent action because anaphylaxis can progress quickly.

Arrange same-day medical assessment for a first episode, rapidly worsening wheeze, chest pain, high fever, or a reliever inhaler that is not giving the expected relief. A baby with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or increased effort to breathe also needs prompt assessment.

Ask what is causing the wheeze, which inhaler plan to follow, how to check technique, what warning signs should prompt emergency help and whether you need testing for asthma, allergy or another airway condition.