What is The Definition of Wheezing?
Wheezing is the sound produced when air flows through a narrowed airway. This narrowing can be caused by mucus secretions confined to the airways or narrowing of the airway muscles or tightening around the airways. Airway narrowing due to asthma is reversible. Medications prescribed for asthma help the narrowed airways return to their normal state. The most appropriate wheezing can be described as a high-pitched whistling sound. Wheezing can occur when breathing in (breathing inspiration), when exhaling (wheezing expiration), or during the entire breathing process. Asthma is one of several conditions that can cause wheezing. If severe, wheezing will clearly be heard without a stethoscope.
Wheezing in asthma reflects the occurrence of inflammation in the lungs and narrowing of the airways, or bronchoconstriction. Wheezing is produced by air turbulence flowing through narrowed airways. The presence of wheezing in asthma shows that asthma is active, and therefore more intensive and effective treatment is needed. Wheezing can never be considered a normal condition and should not be ignored. If the narrowing and inflammation of the airways is not treated, there will be a real risk that the disease will worsen and can potentially be life-threatening.
Most people with asthma can find out when they experience wheezing. They may become aware of abnormal wheezing sounds when the air inhaled enters the narrowed airway. People might say, "His voice sounds like a snoring cat on my chest." Other people may feel uncomfortable pressure in the middle of the chest. Mengi should not be ignored or regarded as something that is not important.
The most reliable method for doctors to detect wheezing is to do a physical examination that includes auscultation of the lungs with a stethoscope. The doctor places the stethoscope on the patient's upper chest - on the top of the front, back and side - and listens to the air coming in and out of the lungs. The patient takes several breaths, breathes through his mouth, quietly and as smoothly as possible. Doctors look at the symmetry of breath sounds and any abnormalities that can be heard, such as wheezing.
In variations of adult asthma called coughing asthma, wheezing does not occur, and in this condition the main symptom of asthma is a dry cough. The persistent appearance of wheezing or dry cough in cases of asthma cough is always serious and should be reported to the doctor. The development of wheezing shows an inadequate control of asthma and can mark the onset of an exacerbation of this disease. The same is true of coughing in an asthma cough because coughing there is equivalent to wheezing.
Does wheezing mean having asthma? Not so. The movement of air to and fro through the lungs and tracheobronchial trees should always be calm. Wheezing is an abnormal sound produced by turbulent flow through the lungs. There are various different causes of wheezing. The occurrence of wheezing on its own without other symptoms is unusual. Therefore, it is important to note if repeated wheezing or if associated with other pulmonary symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or mucus production.
Medical students learn that not all diseases with wheezing symptoms are asthma. Although many people with asthma at a certain time experience wheezing, but not everyone who has wheezing, has asthma. Some people with symptoms of wheezing will have a lung condition other than asthma, while others experience wheezing even though the lung condition is not recognized and the lungs appear completely normal. In the first category are lung diseases related to cigarettes such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other lung diseases, such as bronchiectasis or bronchiolitis also result in wheezing.
Causes of wheezing:
* Asthma
* Foreign body aspiration
* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Chronic obstructive bronchitis, emphysema
* Bronchiectation
* Lung infections, infectious bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup
* Allergic reactions (severe, anaphylactoid)
* Congestive heart failure
* GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
* Triggered by drugs (beta blockers)
Certain lung diseases can cause wheezing in the lungs that is completely normal. Some people without any lung disease but suffering from congestive heart failure can cause wheezing in the event of fluid accumulation. Wheezing can occur in others, after a severe allergic reaction, such as being bitten by a bee. Gastric reflux, called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a disease of the gastrointestinal system and this disease is an example of non-pulmonary conditions that resemble asthma. Similarly, vocal cord dysfunction syndrome (VCD) affects the voice box (larynx) and is often doubted with asthma. Finally, and especially in children, wheezing can be caused by foreign objects confined in a bronchial tree. Younger children, in particular, are exploiting the world around by inserting objects into their mouths. From there, through a short trip to the respiratory tract. Foreign objects should be removed from the pulmonary tract, usually by bronchoscopy. Medical journals and medical textbooks have explained the expenditure of many successful foreign objects, such as fish and chicken bones, coins, toy parts, and even coffee stirrers.
If you have experienced wheezing, especially more than once and may be related to other symptoms, consulting your doctor is appropriate. Your doctor will be able to confirm if wheezing is caused by asthma or other money can advise you on what treatment will be proposed for you.
