The question “why am I wheezing” can have many explanations, but it is most often caused by respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or lung infections. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
Wheezing is a whistling sound that happens when air moves through narrowed or inflamed airways. It can also be linked to heart problems, sleep apnea, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These conditions can affect airflow or cause inflammation that leads to wheezing sounds when breathing.
Treatment for wheezing depends on its cause and may include medications like bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or antibiotics, along with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or improving sleep habits. It's important to see a healthcare provider to determine the cause of the wheezing so it can be adequately treated.
Why am I wheezing?
The most common causes of wheezing include:
1. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. It causes difficulty breathing that can be triggered by specific allergens, like fur or dust. It is one of the most common causes of wheezing and can occur with other symptoms, like shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest tightness.
What to do: Asthma is not curable, but it can be managed with the right medications, like corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Treatment depends on each person’s health history, and should be directed by a primar care provider or pulmonologist (lung specialist). Read more about asthma medications.
2. COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a disease that encompasses chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, both of which are frequent causes of wheezing.
This disease is associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing and difficulty breathing.
What to do: COPD treatment involves lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation. Treatment should be directed by a pulmonologist, who will generally prescribe corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
3. Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections, like bronchitis, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia can also cause wheezing. They can make breathing more difficult and lead to shortness of breath and increased phlegm.
Learn more about the symptoms of lung infections and when to see a doctor.
What to do: Treatment for bacterial respiratory infections should be done with antibiotics. If necessary, a healthcare provider may also prescribe corticosteroids and bronchodilators to reduce inflammation and reduce work of breathing.
Rest, hydration, and a healthy diet can also speed up recovery.
4. Tobacco use or exposure
Using tobacco or being exposed to secondhand smoke increases the risk of respiratory diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It can also make asthma symptoms worse and lead to airway inflammation that causes wheezing.
What to do: Smoking cessation is strongly advised to avoid developing lung disease or worsening a pre-existing condition.
5. Choking
Choking on food or accidentally inhaling a foreign body (which more commonly happens in children playing with small toys) can be very dangerous and can lead to airway obstruction.
The first signs of choking are difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing, although these can vary depending on where the food or object is lodged.
What to do: If you are unable to relieve choking promptly, or if you suspect a small object is lodged in the airways, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
6. Cardiac problems
Having a heart condition, such as heart failure, is another possible cause of wheezing, particularly in older adults. When the heart cannot pump blood effectively, fluid can build up in the lungs, causing swelling that makes it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs, resulting in wheezing.
Other common symptoms of cardiac problems include excessive fatigue, leg swelling, shortness of breath, and persistent dry cough. Learn more about symptoms of heart disease and when you should see a healthcare provider.
What to do: If you notice any of these symptoms, you should report them to your primary care provider for further assessment and possible treatment.
7. Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is one of the main causes of wheezing during sleep, which can sometimes lead to snoring. This condition causes temporary pauses in breathing or makes it harder to breathe while sleeping, due to changes in the throat muscles that partially block normal airflow.
In addition to noisy breathing while sleeping, sleep apnea can also lead to restless sleep and significant daytime fatigue.
What to do: Treatment for sleep apnea usually involves the use of a CPAP machine, although surgery may be necessary if the machine is not effective.
8. GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus toward the mouth. The acid in this reflux can irritate and damage the upper airways, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness, coughing, and wheezing.
Check out what causes GERD and acid reflux, as well as other symptoms associated with this condition.
What to do: Treatment involves lifestyle changes and GERD medications that help protect the stomach and reduce acid production.
Your doctor may also recommend a GERD diet that helps to soothe irritated stomach tissue and prevent further stomach acid production.