It can bechronic or acuteand occur during inhalation or exhalation.
There is no single treatment for wheezing, as there are multiple potentialcauses.
It could be self-resolving or a sign of a serious condition.
Laura Porter / Verywell
In some cases, measures such as sipping hot tea or quitting smoking may be enough to alleviate wheezing.
In others, prescription medications such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators may be necessary.
If you develop unexplained wheezing, it’s recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider right away.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Laura Porter / Verywell
Causes of Wheezing
Treatment of wheezing is highly dependent on its cause.
Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is an age-old remedy for chest congestion and wheezing.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercisescan benefit people with wheezing of any sort.
There are two exercises in particular that may be helpful.
If you experience wheezing, kick the habit and make every effort to avoid secondhand smoke.
Vaping, marijuana smoking, and hookahs should also be avoided.
Some of the more common triggers of wheezing include:
Identifying triggers can sometimes be difficult.
Prescription versions of these drugs also exist.
These drugs work by opening and relaxing narrowed airways.
OTCantihistaminesare often the first-line defense for uncomplicated mild to moderate allergies.
They help block the action ofhistamine, a chemical released by the body that triggers allergy symptoms.
Newer-generation antihistamines available over the counter are less sedating and can usually provide relief within 30 minutes.
Never give aspirin to a child or teenager with a viral infection or fever.
The drugs work by tempering the immune overreaction that triggers bronchospasms.
Inhaled corticosteroids are often taken with long-acting inhaled bronchodilators to provide better control of COPD or asthma symptoms.
The second-generation antihistamines (Clarinex and Xyzal) are less sedating and can be used during the day.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Surgery is rarely a treatment for wheezing.
It’s important to note that most have little scientific evidence to support their use.
Buteyko Breathing
Buteyko breathingis an alternative therapy used primarily to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Ignoring symptoms like these can allow a respiratory condition to progress and worsen.
With diseases like COPD, this can lead to irreversible lung damage and an increased risk of premature death.
Move away from possible triggers such as smoke or allergens.
Stop exercise, and, if the attack was induced by cold, find a warm location.
Some preliminary animal studies do show that inhaling lavender essential oils may help, but more research is needed.
If symptoms dont improve, it could be a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.
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