What should you know about mild wheezing?

Wheezing is often more noticeable when breathing out. It can occur with a cold or Acute Bronchitis, after exposure to smoke or dust, or alongside Allergic Rhinitis. Repeated episodes, night symptoms, cough or chest tightness can occur with Asthma. In adults, persistent breathlessness may require assessment for COPD; in young children, viral illness can cause Bronchiolitis.

The sound may come from different parts of the airway, so its volume does not reliably show how serious the problem is.

Move away from smoke, strong scents or a suspected irritant, sit upright and breathe slowly. Follow an existing prescribed reliever plan exactly; do not use another person's inhaler. Note when the sound started, what triggered it, whether it occurs at rest or during activity, and any cough, fever or chest tightness. A clinician may listen to your lungs and check oxygen levels; treatment such as Nebuliser Treatment is chosen according to the cause and severity.

Call emergency services if breathing becomes difficult, lips or face look blue or grey, you cannot speak comfortably, you become faint or confused, or wheezing follows food, medicine or an insect sting with swelling. Seek same-day care for rapidly worsening wheeze, chest tightness, significant breathlessness, or a child who is struggling to feed or breathe. Arrange review for recurring or unexplained episodes.

Could this be asthma, an infection or an allergic trigger? Do I need an inhaler or breathing tests? How should I use my prescribed medicines during a flare? Which symptoms mean I should seek emergency help?