Wheezing is a condition wherein a person produces a shrill whistling sound with each breath. It can have various underlying causes, including certain health conditions and respiratory infections. Understanding the root cause of the issue, consulting a doctor, and following the prescribed treatment course can help treat wheezing. Certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes can facilitate symptom relief. Here’s a look at the causes and remedies of wheezing, along with some treatments and preventive tips.

Causes of wheezing

Asthma
Asthma is known to be the primary cause of wheezing. This health condition causes the narrowing of airways, which then leads to the accumulation of excessive mucus and wheezing. It may also be accompanied by shortness of breath.

Hay fever
Hay fever often affects the air passageways. It may trigger the onset of cold-like symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and wheezing and coughing.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that can impede airflow and cause breathing difficulties. Such obstruction can lead to shortness of breath, and a person may experience wheezing.

Acute bronchitis
Wheezing is often a symptom of acute bronchitis. This is due to severe inflammation of the lungs.

Pneumonia
Pneumonia, a severe form of infection, causes inflammation of air sacs in the lungs. It can trigger symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and hacking.

Remedies and interventions

Inhalers
Wheezing triggered by shortness of breath and conditions like asthma and COPD can be treated by providing sufficient oxygen to the lungs. Inhalers can help in this process. They are widely recommended for patients with asthma and other breathing disorders.

Nebulizers
Nebulizers are machines that are commonly used to clean air passageways and for the management of lung infections. A nebulizer can also help break down and clear mucus, and treat wheezing associated with such blockage.

Humidifiers
Humidifiers may help clear mucus from the airways and manage respiratory conditions more effectively. Consequently, it may also help relieve wheezing associated with such conditions. Humidifiers are recommended, as effective HVAC equipment can help in healthy breathing and providing relief from respiratory problems.

Steam inhalation
Steam involves the inhalation of warm, moist air, which is proven to loosen mucus and congestion. Steam inhalation done once or twice a day for 15-20 minutes can help relieve wheezing and shortness of breath due to airway obstruction.

Air purifiers
Sometimes, pollutants and dust particles at home can trigger or aggravate breathing problems and related health conditions. Air purifiers can help clean the air in indoor spaces and provide instant relief from breathing obstruction and wheezing. It helps to choose an air purifier based on factors such as the size of one’s room, the air quality indicator, and the level of air pollution in the area.

Warm liquids
Warm liquids like lukewarm water, herbal tea, ginger tea, and soups can soothe the throat and clear obstruction in the windpipe. It can also help clear mucus and congestion and eliminate wheezing.

Vitamin C-rich foods
Studies have indicated that Vitamin C has a positive effect on one’s respiratory system. It is a good idea to incorporate foods rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, Brussel sprouts, and white potatoes, in one’s meal plan to manage wheezing and shortness of breath.

Preventive tips for wheezing

Ensure clean surroundings
A littered home and surroundings can aggravate one’s breathing conditions and lead to poor respiratory health. It helps to use cleaning equipment like vacuum cleaners and rumbas regularly. Purchasing good air purifiers and humidifiers can also help in maintaining good indoor air quality.

Perform breathing exercises
Breathing exercises like deep breathing can significantly improve lung health and reduce one’s risk of developing lung diseases. Since wheezing is a symptom of lung and respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, breathing exercises can help easily manage or reduce such ailments.

Eat nutritious foods
A healthy meal plan rich in essential nutrients can help maintain lung health. Eating foods like citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods can help prevent respiratory conditions and their related symptoms like cough and wheezing.

Check for food intolerances
Individuals with certain food intolerances and allergies may face respiratory issues like accumulation of mucus and coughing, which can trigger or aggravate wheezing. Individuals with wheezing should stay away from certain food groups like gluten and dairy. These foods can then be reintroduced in daily meals to check whether they are potentially causing the issue.