Waking up wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound, often more noticeable when breathing out. Asthma commonly presents with variable wheeze, cough, chest tightness, or symptoms that disturb sleep. COPD can cause persistent airflow limitation, particularly with cough and phlegm. Acute Bronchitis may produce temporary wheeze during an infection. Allergic Rhinitis can block the nose and accompany lower-airway irritation. In children, Bronchiolitis is an infection-related cause. Sudden wheeze with facial swelling, hives, throat tightness, or dizziness may indicate Anaphylaxis.

Sit upright and move away from smoke, perfume, dust, or another suspected trigger. If you have a prescribed reliever inhaler, follow your personal action plan and use a spacer if advised. Record the time, possible trigger, cough, fever, and how long symptoms last. Arrange review when wheeze is new, recurrent, worsening, or waking you from sleep. A clinician may listen to your chest, check oxygen levels, and arrange breathing tests. Nebuliser Treatment is used in selected situations after clinical assessment.

Seek emergency help if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak in comfortable sentences, your lips look blue or grey, you feel faint or confused, or your inhaler is not relieving symptoms as directed. Wheeze with throat or tongue swelling is an emergency because it can progress quickly.

Could this be asthma, an infection, allergy, or COPD? Should I have an inhaler technique check or breathing test? What is my action plan for symptoms during sleep?