Some Causes and Features of Wheezing
Some Causes and Features of Wheezing
| Cause | Common Features* | Tests† |
| Cough Sometimes symptoms of an upper respiratory infection (such as a stuffy nose) Usually no known history of a lung disorder | A doctor's examination | |
| Wheezing that starts suddenly, usually within 30 minutes of exposure to a known or potential allergen such as pollen Often a stuffy nose, hives, itchy eyes, and sneezing | A doctor's examination | |
| Usually a history of asthma Wheezing that starts spontaneously or after exposure to specific stimuli (such as pollen or another allergen, an upper respiratory infection, cold, or exercise) | A doctor's examination Sometimes one or more of the following tests:
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| In children under 18 months old Usually occurring from November to April in the Northern Hemisphere Usually symptoms of an upper respiratory infection (such as a stuffy nose and fever) and rapid breathing | A doctor's examination | |
| In middle-aged or older people In people who already have COPD Usually a history of extensive smoking Labored breathing | A chest x-ray | |
| Drugs (such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, aspirin, and other NSAIDs) | In people who have recently started using a new drug, most often in those with a history of airway obstruction (as occurs in asthma) | A doctor's examination |
| A foreign object that has been inhaled | High-pitched wheezing or cough that starts suddenly in people (typically infants or young children) without any symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, fever, or other symptoms of illness | A chest x-ray or CT of the chest |
| GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) In gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach contents, including acid and bile, flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus, causing inflammation in the esophagus and pain in the bottom... read more | Chronic or recurring wheezing Often burning pain in the chest (heartburn) or abdomen that tends to worsen after eating certain foods, while exercising, or while lying flat A sour taste, particularly after awakening Hoarseness A cough that occurs in the middle of the night or early morning No symptoms of an upper respiratory infection or allergy | Sometimes only a doctor's examination Sometimes use of drugs that suppress acid, such as a histamine-2 (H2) blocker or proton pump inhibitor, to see whether symptoms go away Sometimes insertion of a flexible viewing tube into the esophagus and stomach (endoscopy Endoscopy Endoscopy is an examination of internal structures using a flexible viewing tube (endoscope). Endoscopy can also be used to treat many disorders because doctors are able to pass instruments... read more ) Sometimes placement of a sensor in the esophagus to monitor acidity (pH) for 24 hours |
| Usually swelling (edema) of the legs Shortness of breath that worsens while lying flat or that appears 1–2 hours after falling asleep Sounds suggesting fluid in the lungs, heard through a stethoscope | A chest x-ray Sometimes a blood test to measure a substance that is produced when the heart is strained called brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) | |
| Irritants that are inhaled | Wheezing that starts suddenly after exposure to irritants at work (occupational exposure) or inappropriate use of cleaning products | A doctor's examination |
| Wheezing while inhaling and exhaling, especially in people with risk factors for or signs of cancer (such as a history of smoking, night sweats, weight loss, and coughing up blood) | A chest x-ray or CT of the chest | |
| * Features include symptoms and results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. | ||
| † Doctors usually measure the oxygen level in blood with a sensor placed on a finger (pulse oximetry). A chest x-ray is usually taken unless the person's symptoms are clearly a flare-up of an already diagnosed chronic disorder. | ||
| ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme; COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CT = computed tomography; GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease; NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. | ||
