A high-pitched whistling sound that may occur during breathing, especially when airways become narrowed or partially obstructed.
Wheezing is usually more noticeable during exhalation but can occur during inhalation or throughout breathing. It commonly occurs when narrowed airways make it more difficult for air to flow, as can happen with asthma, respiratory infections, allergic reactions, or chronic lung disease.
Wheezing is a symptom or physical sign, not a diagnosis by itself.
QUICK FACT
Sudden wheezing accompanied by difficulty breathing can be a sign of a serious airway problem, including a severe allergic reaction.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Stridor: a typically harsher, higher-pitched sound caused by narrowing of the upper airway rather than the smaller lower airways where wheezing commonly originates.
SEE ALSO