3 Unmistakable symptoms that tell your wheezing may be from a serious cause.

Wheezing is not an everyday occurrence. Though this depends on the state of the respiratory tract. Those with respiratory tract issues tend to experience this phenomenon often due to their condition. But if one is not an “often wheezer” and starts wheezing all of a sudden with these symptoms that would be explained, chances may be that a respiratory tract disease is an underlying cause. Though there is mild wheezing, as a result of cold and upper respiratory restriction (as a result of catarrh). However, this type of wheezing is not accompanied by these unmistakable symptoms.

What is Wheezing?

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound that occurs during breathing. This sound almost sounds like a “whistle”. The wheezing sound is mostly in its loudest pitch during exhalation. It is also heard during inhalation but not as high as during  exhalation.

The wheezing sound is made when air passes through a constricted, inflamed, and narrow airway. The narrowing and inflammation may occur in any part of the airway; from the lungs to the throat. Most times, it is the smallest breathing tube (bronchioles) that is affected deep down in the lungs.

Wheezing may occur without any symptoms which may be flagged as normal. But when attributed to the symptoms below, then there is a need for the intervention of a physician.

Critical signs associated with wheezing

1. Difficulty in breathing: This is the inability to breathe very well compared to the normal. When one’s wheezing is accompanied by this symptom, then the wheezing shouldn’t be Flagged as normal especially if it occurs often. Difficulty in breathing is a known symptom of respiratory tract disease.
2. Rapid Breathing: Rapid breathing is also known as tachypnea. It is when breathing is taken more than usual per minute. This is another known symptom of respiratory tract disease like asthma .when one’s wheezing is associated with such, then it shouldn’t be overlooked and waved as normal.
3. Briefly bluish skin: This condition is also known as cyanosis. Though cyanosis has so many underlying causes. but most time it is often tagged with respiratory diseases, especially COPD. So if this symptom is experienced with wheezing then there should be a cause for alarm.

Causes of wheezing

Wheezing does not only result from respiratory tract diseases, it can also result from Other causes. Below are the causes of wheezing.

• Lungs: Asthma, Bronchitis, bronchiolitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, Aspirating.
• Vocal cord: vocal cord dysfunction
• Digestive tract: GERD (chronic acid reflux)
• Allergies: allergens (dust mites, pet danders, pollen), anaphylaxis.
• Heart conditions: Heart failure
• Lifestyle choices: smoking.

Conclusion

When these UNMISTAKABLE SYMPTOMS are experienced with wheezing then it shouldn’t be treated as common as negligence may make the underlying cause critical. A certified pulmonologist should be sought after following these symptoms. For those already diagnosed with respiratory disease, these symptoms may indicate an onset of the episode. Bronchiole dilators such as inhalers should be used to alleviate the symptoms.