Causes and ways to deal with wheezing (wheezing)

Have you ever heard the term wheezing? Wheezing, also known as wheezing, is the distinctive sound produced when air flows through the narrowed airway. The wheezing sound (wheezing), which sounds like a very low whistle, will become louder when you exhale or inhale.

Without you knowing it, the appearance of this condition can be a sign that you have respiratory problems, such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Learn the various ways to deal with wheezing in the following review.

What causes wheezing?

Generally, a wheezing sound occurs when there is blockage or constriction of the airways. In addition, narrowing of the vocal cords can also trigger the sound of wheezing. The sound can vary depending on which part of the respiratory system is blocked or narrowed.

If the problem is with the upper respiratory system, the voice may appear hoarser or harsher. Meanwhile, if the lower respiratory system is affected, you will hear a wheezing sound which is more like a whistle.

So, what is the cause of blockage of the respiratory tract that causes breath to sound? Usually, the most common cause of recurrent wheezing is chronic shortness of breath, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

These diseases cause narrowing and spasm of the muscles (bronchospasm) in the small airways of your lungs.

Several other chronic conditions that can trigger shortness of breath that cause wheezing include:

• emphysema
• stomach acid reflux (GERD)
• heart disease
• lung disease
• sleep apnea

Wheezing can also be caused by other acute illnesses, including:

• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• respiratory tract infections
• reactions from smoking
• inhaling foreign substances
• anaphylaxis

To find out the cause of wheezing, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will perform tests to find out how often and the cause.

Who is more at risk of developing this condition?

Anyone, from babies to the elderly, can experience this condition. However, of course there are several factors that can increase the risk of causing someone to wheeze.

This condition is often found in children who have asthma. Apart from that, wheezing is also quite common in babies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 25-30 percent of babies experience wheezing in the first year of life.

One of the reasons babies often experience wheezing is because of their smaller airways. Plus, children under 2 years of age are more prone to developing a condition known as bronchiolitis. This condition is caused by a viral infection of the respiratory tract, so your child may experience wheezing.

In adulthood, people who actively smoke and suffer from chronic diseases will be more prone to experiencing wheezing.

How to deal with wheezing (wheezing) without medication

Breath sounds that come suddenly will certainly irritate you. However, there is no need to worry because you can prevent and treat wheezing in the ways below.

1. Apply essential oil on the chest

Some essential oils (essential oil) is known to be used as a natural remedy for shortness of breath, so as to prevent wheezing. However, keep in mind that its use will be effective even when the wheezing has not recurred.

Some of the essential oils that are known to be useful for treating wheezing are mint leaf oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender flower oil, and clove oil.

Here are tips for using essential oils to treat wheezing:

• Mix two drops of essential oil in a quarter cup measuring carrier oil which will dilute the essential oil.
• Apply it on your chest and inhale for 15-20 minutes, then wipe it clean from your chest. Especially lavender oil and eucalyptus oil, mix 2-3 drops of oil into a basin filled with hot water.
• Place your face on the water (with your eyes closed so you don't irritate it) without touching the water. Then cover your head with a towel so that all the steam gets into your respiratory tract.

Some people may be too sensitive to certain odors and it can actually trigger wheezing. So use it with caution and stop using it if the symptoms get worse.

2. Take a warm shower

You can also place a warm towel on your chest for about 30 minutes and then take a warm bath for 15 minutes. The heat and steam from the warm water you use can help clear your breathing.

In addition, it will also make your body relaxed and more comfortable, especially if you take a warm shower before bed. You can sleep better without annoying breath sounds.

3. Usinghumidifier

Another way you can treat wheezing is to use humidifier. This tool is useful for accelerating your breathing, especially if you are in a room or environment that is too dry.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the appliancehumidifier to get maximum results. However, make sure you check first whetherhumidifierthat you have can be combined with essential oils or not.

4. Drink warm drinks

You can also relieve wheezing by drinking warm drinks. Sipping warm drinks relaxes your respiratory tract and reduces the sound of wheezing.

You can add a variety of ingredients to your drink, from green tea to honey to milk. A 2017 study published in National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology suggests that consuming honey 2 times a day can help relieve throat congestion.

5. Doing breathing exercises

People who suffer from COPD, bronchitis, asthma, or other respiratory diseases are certainly familiar with these symptoms of breath wheezing. Therefore, breathing exercises are highly recommended, especially for those who suffer from the diseases above.

Generally, the breathing technique consists of taking a deep breath, breathing normally, then exhaling. Your doctor can help you choose a breathing technique that suits your condition.

6. Avoid cigarette smoke

Smoking can lead to breathing problems. One of the side effects of smoking — or inhaling secondhand smoke as secondhand smoke — is wheezing. If you have had trouble wheezing for a long time, the symptoms may get worse when you inhale secondhand smoke.

If you do not know why your breath is wheezing, recurring, and heavy, immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment.

7. Take medicine

The methods above are certainly less effective if they are not accompanied by the consumption of drugs that can treat shortness of breath. Depending on what illness or medical condition you have, medications can help relieve narrowing of the airways.

If your wheezing is due to allergies, your doctor may prescribe decongestants, corticosteroids, and antihistamines. Another case with those of you who suffer from asthma or COPD. Medicines that you need to take so that your breath sounds less annoying can be bronchodilators.

The most important thing is to make sure you always take the medicine according to the dosage and the rules given by your doctor. This will make it less likely that the wheezing will recur at another time.