Wheezing
Wheezing is a characteristic whistling sound during breathing, usually heard more on expiration, caused by narrowing of the small airways. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom that can occur in various conditions of the respiratory system.
Wheezing is more common in pre-school age children, particularly during viral respiratory infections. In certain cases it may be associated with asthma or airway hyperreactivity.
Possible causes of wheezing:
The most common causes include:
- viral respiratory infections
- episodic viral wheeze in infants and toddlers
- asthma or airway hyperreactivity
- allergic conditions
- foreign body aspiration (especially in young children)
- In rarer cases, it may be related to anatomical airway anomalies or chronic lung diseases.
Diagnosis:
Evaluation of the child is based on:
- detailed personal and family medical history
- clinical examination and lung auscultation
- lung function tests (e.g. spirometry) in older children
- additional investigations when needed
This evaluation helps determine whether the wheezing is a transient phenomenon related to viral infections or whether it indicates an underlying chronic condition such as asthma.
When to see a paediatric pulmonologist:
Specialist evaluation is important when:
- wheezing episodes recur frequently
- they are accompanied by breathlessness or reduced activity
- they occur outside periods of infection
- there is a family or personal history of allergies or asthma
Early diagnosis helps achieve proper symptom control and improves the child's daily life.
