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Wheezing in the chest is usually a sign of some form of respiratory disease, such as COPD or asthma. This is because in this type of condition there is a narrowing or inflammation of the airways, which ends up hindering the passage of air and causing the appearance of a characteristic sound, known as wheezing.
However, wheezing can also be indicative of a heart problem, as the malfunction of the heart can facilitate the accumulation of fluids in the lung, making it difficult for air to pass through the airways.
So, since wheezing is almost always related to some type of health problem, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to try to understand the cause, be referred to the best specialist and start the most appropriate treatment.
The following are some of the most common causes of wheezing:
1. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes difficulty in breathing, especially after a person is exposed to some type of allergen, such as animal hair or dust, for example. This is one of the main causes of wheezing when breathing and can be associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness and tightness in the chest.
What to do: Asthma has no cure, but it can be treated with the use of some medications, such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators. Treatment depends on the person's health history and, therefore, should always be guided by a pulmonologist. See more about treatment options for asthma.
2. COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a disease that includes chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema, which are, in addition to asthma, other of the most frequent causes of wheezing in the chest.
In addition to wheezing, other characteristic symptoms of COPD are the feeling of shortness of breath, coughing and difficulty breathing. Understand better what COPD is and see how the diagnosis is made.
What to do: The treatment of COPD consists of adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding the use of cigarettes, for example, in addition to performing treatment guided by the pulmonologist, which usually consists of the use of corticosteroid and bronchodilator drugs.
3. Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia can also be a cause of wheezing, as they are diseases that make breathing difficult, causing shortness of breath and phlegm production. See how to identify a respiratory infection and how to treat it.
What to do: the treatment of respiratory infections is done with antibiotics, if it is an infection caused by bacteria, it is necessary, in some cases, to administer corticosteroids and bronchodilators, to reduce inflammation and facilitate breathing.
Rest, hydration and a balanced diet are also measures that accelerate healing.
4. Exposure to cigarette smoke
Exposure to cigarette smoke is a risk factor for developing respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema or chronic bronchitis or to worsen asthma, which ends up contributing to inflammation of the airways and the appearance of wheezing.
What to do: To avoid developing a lung disease or aggravate an existing disease, you must stop smoking. See 8 tips to quit smoking.
5. Inhalation of an object
Inhalation of a foreign object or body, such as a small toy, for example, usually happens in children and can be a very dangerous situation, as it can cause airway obstruction.
The first symptoms that may appear are difficulty in breathing, coughing and wheezing, which will depend on the region where the object was stuck.
What to do: in case of suspected inhalation of an object it is recommended to go immediately to the medical emergency.
6. Heart problems
The existence of a heart problem, such as heart failure, is also one of the most common causes of wheezing, especially in older patients. This is because, since the heart is not pumping blood properly, there may be an accumulation of fluids in the lung, which causes the tissues to become more swollen and the air to have more difficulty passing, causing the wheezing.
Other common symptoms in people who have some kind of heart problem are excessive tiredness during the day, swelling of the legs, difficulty breathing and persistent dry cough, for example. Check 11 signs that may be a sign of heart problems.
What to do: Whenever there is a suspicion of some kind of heart problem, it is very important to consult a cardiologist to identify the cause and start the most appropriate treatment.
7. Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is the main cause of wheezing when sleeping, which can also develop into snoring. This condition causes a momentary stop of breathing or breathing difficulties during sleep, due to a change in the muscles of the larynx that causes the airways to become blocked.
In addition to the sounds produced during sleep, sleep apnea can also cause a person to wake up tired, as if he had been exercising during sleep.
What to do: the treatment of sleep apnea can be done through the use of a proper device, called CPAP, or surgery, when the use of the device is not enough. Learn more about treating sleep apnea.
8. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux consists of the return of stomach contents to the esophagus and mouth, which can injure the upper airways due to the acidity of the gastric juice. Although the most common symptoms are heartburn, poor digestion and a burning sensation in the esophagus and mouth, constant contact of the acid with the airways can also cause hoarseness, coughing and wheezing.
What to do: The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux is done through changes in eating habits and with drugs that protect and reduce the acidity of the stomach. See which remedies are most used in the treatment of reflux.