Understanding wheezing and asthma: Know symptoms, types, triggers and prevention tips

Asthma is a condition where the airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce extra mucus. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

A wheeze is a whistling or rattling sound when someone breathes. It occurs when the airways, the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs, become narrow or partly blocked. Wheezing is common in asthma, but hearing it or not hearing it does not always mean someone has asthma.

Asthma, on the other hand, is a condition where the airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce extra mucus. This makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms can come and go and may be mild or severe. Common signs include wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma triggers vary from person to person and may include dust, pollen, animal fur, smoke, infections, or exercise.

How to Recognise Wheezing and Asthma: Wheezing can sound different for different people. Some hear a high-pitched whistle, while others feel a rattling in the chest or throat. Sometimes, people with asthma may not mention it unless asked.

Doctors usually ask about when the symptoms started and how often they occur and what seems to trigger them. Past treatments or hospital visits and a family history of asthma, allergies, or eczema is also enquired about.

Wheezing usually occurs when breathing out. If it suddenly stops, it could mean improvement—or, in serious cases, that the airways are very blocked. This is called a “silent chest” and needs urgent medical attention.

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Allergic asthma: The body reacts to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pets, causing swelling and extra mucus in the airways.

Non-allergic asthma: Triggers such as exercise, infections, smoke, or other irritants can narrow the airways without an allergic reaction.

There can be many types of asthma, like allergic, which often starts in childhood or non-allergic, which usually begins in adulthood. It can also be exercise induced, drug or food induced, work related or occupational and chronic cough type, atypical type.

When Wheezing Isn’t Asthma: Other conditions can also cause wheezing. These include lung infection, chronic bronchitis, heart problems, or blockage in the airways. Doctors usually check your medical history and may carry out tests to confirm asthma.

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Managing Asthma: Asthma affects everyone differently, so treatment is personalised. The main goals are to relieve symptoms, avoid triggers and prevent attack attacks.

With the right care, most people with asthma can lead normal active lives.

FAQs on asthma:

Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe.

Common triggers include dust, pollen, smoke, cold air, exercise, pet dander, air pollution, and respiratory infections.

Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing (especially at night or early morning).

Doctors use a physical exam, medical history, and lung function tests like spirometry.

No, but it can be well-controlled with medication and lifestyle management.