Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing.
Also called: Wheezing.
Conditions associated with wheezing
The following conditions have been associated with wheezing in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Allergic Asthma
Asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander....
Asthma
A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightn...
Bronchial neuroendocrine tumor
Bronchial neuroendocrine tumor is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually viral, causing a productive cough that can last several weeks....
COPD
A group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow obstructi...
Chronic Cough
A cough lasting more than 8 weeks in adults, which can result from many underlying causes....
Chronic graft versus host disease
Chronic graft versus host disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and sign...
Cocaine intoxication
Cocaine intoxication is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Congenital tracheomalacia
Congenital tracheomalacia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia
Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...
Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis
Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Eisenmenger syndrome
Eisenmenger syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
ICHAD syndrome
ICHAD syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Idiopathic bronchiectasis
Idiopathic bronchiectasis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms ...
Lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and s...
Relapsing polychondritis
Relapsing polychondritis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease syndrome
Respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated wit...
Shortness of Breath
A feeling of being unable to catch your breath or get enough air, which can be sudden or gradual....
Solar urticaria
Solar urticaria is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica
Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms ...
immunodeficiency 125
immunodeficiency 125 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
immunodeficiency 133 with ectodermal dysplasia with or without peripheral neuropathy
immunodeficiency 133 with ectodermal dysplasia with or without peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition th...
multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 9b
A mitochondrial dysfunction syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the FDXR gene. It is c...
progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1
PFIC1, a type of progressive familial intrahepathic cholestasis (PFIC), is an infantile hereditary disorder in...
respiratory infections, recurrent, and failure to thrive with or without diarrhea
respiratory infections, recurrent, and failure to thrive with or without diarrhea is a medical condition that ...
Tests providers may use to investigate wheezing
When investigating wheezing, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
BNP / NT-proBNP
Measures B-type natriuretic peptide to help evaluate heart failure....
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Measures total IgE and can help evaluate allergic conditions....
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside wheezing
Breathlessness When Lying Flat
Difficulty breathing when lying flat that improves when sitting up, which can be a sign of heart failure....
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Nighttime Cough
A cough that is worse at night, which can be caused by asthma, reflux, postnasal drip, or heart failure....
Postnasal Drip
Mucus that drips down the back of the throat from the nose, which can cause coughing and a sore throat....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if wheezing is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom wheezing mean?
Wheezing is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing.
Which conditions are associated with wheezing?
Wheezing has been reported in association with 28 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Allergic Asthma, Asthma, Bronchial neuroendocrine tumor, Bronchitis, COPD. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about wheezing?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.