Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling or squeaking sound that accompanies normal breathing. While it is not a disorder, it can be a symptom of various health conditions. Inflammation and congestion of the nasal passages are the main triggers of wheezing. It can be managed to a great extent with prescriptions and changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle. Here are some of the known causes, prevention methods, treatment, and home remedies to stop wheezing:

Causes and risk factors
Wheezing can be triggered by factors ranging from mild allergies to severe health complications. Here are the common risk factors:

Common allergies: Dust, dander, chemical fumes, and particulate pollution are allergens in the environment that can trigger breathing issues.

Anaphylaxis: A sudden reaction to an insect bite or severe side effect of certain prescriptions can cause the airways to become inflamed, restricting airflow.

Health complications: Conditions like asthma, bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, gastrointestinal reflux diseases, pneumonia, and several other respiratory disorders also trigger wheezing.

Vocal cord dysfunction: The abnormal closure of the vocal cords can also trigger shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and tightness in the neck region resulting in wheezing-like symptoms.

Inhaling foreign objects: Although quite rare, inhaling or swallowing foreign objects that get lodged in the trachea can trigger wheezing.

Seasonal allergies and flu: Seasonal allergies triggered by changing weather conditions where the temperature may suddenly increase or decrease may also cause wheezing.

Other risk factors: Repeated exposure to toxic substances, exhaust fumes, and other industrial pollutants increases the risk of developing breathing problems among the affected.

Management options
Allergists or pulmonary specialists conduct specific diagnostic tests to identify the source and understand how to stop wheezing quickly. Pulse oximetry tests, arterial blood gas tests, pulmonary function testing, and chest X-rays are usually conducted to identify the frequency and severity of wheezing. Here are a few options to stop wheezing immediately:

Prescriptions: The first course of treatment is usually prescriptions intended to counter the inflammation and open airways to improve breathing. Doctors suggest the use of bronchodilators for managing conditions like asthma, COPD, and allergies. Immunotherapy can also be recommended in the form of allergy shots to boost the immune system and prevent a reaction to triggers or allergens. Further, antihistamines help counter the chemicals released by the body and prevent an allergic response. Certain anti-inflammatory prescriptions are also prescribed to relieve inflammation associated with several respiratory diseases. Note that prescriptions will vary depending on the underlying health complications and severity of breathing issues. Doctors may also suggest a combination of prescription options to manage wheezing as a symptom of common allergies.

Rehabilitation therapies: For more severe cases of wheezing, treatments could involve certain respiratory therapies to manage chronic diseases. Oxygen therapy helps boost blood oxygen levels to counter any hypoxia that causes breathing difficulties. Certain percussion and oscillating devices are also used to clear the lungs of the accumulated mucus. Additionally, pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for patients with severe breathing issues to improve lung function. One’s nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional support are taken into account when planning an elaborate rehabilitation program.

Home remedies
The following tips can be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine to better manage symptoms like wheezing:

Drinking warm beverages: Hot beverages can relieve chest congestion and ease breathing to provide relief. Coffee, tea, soups, and homemade vegetable or meat broths are all excellent options.

Inhaling steam: Humidity can help overcome nasal congestion, and steam inhalation is one of the oldest techniques to help break up mucus in the nasal passage and open up the airways. Steam inhalers and diffusers are easily available at local pharmacies.

Practicing breathing exercises: Belly breathing or pursed lip breathing are two common exercises one can do at home to improve breathing. Belly breathing is where one uses the diaphragm to inhale and expand the stomach. Then with each exhale, the stomach should be sucked in to provide maximum expansion. Pursed lip breathing is a slower breathing technique where the air is inhaled and exhaled with the lips pursed. This slows down the respiration rate and helps keep the airways open to prevent breathlessness.

Actively avoiding allergens: Cold air, dry air, dust mites, pet dander, fragrances, pollen, and fumes of any kind are all wheezing triggers. One should wear a mask with a good air filter when stepping outside to limit exposure and prevent flare-ups caused by allergens. At home, one can install a high-efficiency particulate air filter system to keep the air clean. These practices are necessary for an urban setting due to the rising air pollution levels.

These remedies can alleviate breathing issues and prevent wheezing. There is no clear cure for wheezing, as this could be a symptom of an underlying health complication. However, addressing the root cause can help relieve wheezing.