Why does asthma cause wheezing?

During an asthma flare, the lining of the breathing tubes can swell, the muscles around them can tighten and mucus may collect inside. Air has to pass through a smaller opening, especially on breathing out. That turbulent airflow can be heard as wheezing, although the sound may be louder to someone nearby than to the person having symptoms.

Wheezing is a very common presentation of Asthma. It may occur with cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath, and can change after exposure to a trigger. A wheeze has other possible causes, so the sound alone does not identify the cause.

Use the reliever or other asthma medicines in the way your clinician prescribed, following your written action plan if you have one. Sit upright and avoid smoke, strong fumes or another obvious trigger. Check whether you are using the inhaler with the correct technique; poor technique can leave too little medicine reaching the lungs.

Make a note of when the wheeze started, what you were doing and whether your medicine helped. Recurring wheeze is worth discussing because the treatment plan may need adjustment.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, a struggle to speak, marked drowsiness or confusion, blue or grey lips or face, or worsening symptoms despite reliever treatment. Arrange prompt assessment for a new wheeze, a wheeze that persists, or asthma symptoms that disrupt sleep or usual activity.

Ask which inhaler is for rapid relief, whether a spacer would help your technique, how to recognise a worsening flare, and how to reduce exposure to your personal triggers.