When should you see a doctor about wheezing?

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound caused by air moving through narrowed or irritated airways. It may occur with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute bronchitis, an allergic reaction or, in young children, bronchiolitis. A clinician may ask when the sound started, whether it follows exercise or exposure to smoke, dust or pets, and whether you have cough, fever or chest tightness.

Arrange a medical appointment if the sound keeps returning, affects sleep or activity, follows a new medicine or allergy exposure, or occurs with a cough that is not settling. Avoid smoke and other known triggers, sit upright, and use a prescribed inhaler only as directed. Do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. A clinician may check your breathing and decide whether inhaler therapy or nebuliser treatment is appropriate.

Get emergency help if breathing becomes very difficult, your chest feels severely tight, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips or face look blue or grey, you become confused or unusually drowsy, or wheezing begins rapidly after food, medicine or an insect sting. These signs can indicate a serious airway problem and should not be watched at home.

Ask what may be narrowing your airways, whether you need breathing tests, which symptoms should trigger urgent help, and how to use any inhaler correctly. Tell the clinician about smoking or vaping, allergies, recent infections, workplace exposures and every medicine you take.