When to worry about wheezing with acute bronchitis

Wheezing is a common presentation of Acute Bronchitis. Swelling and mucus in the breathing tubes can narrow airflow and create a high-pitched sound, often during breathing out. Cough, chest discomfort, tiredness, and breathlessness can occur as well. Wheezing that is new, severe, persistent, or associated with asthma, heart disease, an allergic reaction, or another long-term lung condition deserves clinical attention.

Rest, drink fluids if you can swallow comfortably, avoid smoke and strong fumes, and use any inhaler only as prescribed. Sit upright if breathing feels tight. Notice whether the wheeze is becoming louder, whether you can speak in full sentences, and whether breathlessness occurs at rest. Do not borrow another person's inhaler or antibiotics.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, inability to speak in full sentences, or rapidly worsening wheezing. Arrange prompt medical review for wheezing that does not settle, fever with worsening breathlessness, coughing blood, or symptoms in a baby, older adult, or person with significant lung disease. A clinician can check oxygen levels and listen for other causes.

Ask whether an inhaler is appropriate, how to use it correctly, which breathing changes should prompt emergency help, and whether another condition could be causing the wheeze.