Understand and Prevent Wheezing

The respiratory system resembles an upside-down tree, with the "trunk" at the throat and the "limbs" (bronchi), smaller "branches" (bronchioles) and "leaves" (alveoli or air sacs) in the lungs. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistle caused by obstruction of air as it moves through the bronchi and bronchioles. The restriction may be due to narrowing of the airway walls or a blockage in the passage. It can be localized in a small areas or spread throughout the lungs.

Wheezing can be heard in lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, when a foreign body or mucus blocks an airway, and in people who have asthma. It is also a symptom of allergic reactions or chronic lung disease. Wheezing can be a warning of a very serious problem and needs a professional evaluation when it first occurs.

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in which the alveoli lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. They become enlarged, trapping air and decreasing the capacity to breathe.

Most frequently caused by smoking, emphysema result from chronic irritation to the respiratory system. There is no cure for this progress disease, and treatment is directed toward decreasing the amount of air need for daily activity and easing the struggle to breathe.

Allergic reactions occur when your body's immune system reacts and goes on the defensive against an element that, under most circumstances, is harmless. Allergens trigger your body's antibodies to counterattack and release chemicals, such as histamine, directly into various body tissues. Your symptoms are the result of tissue reacting to these chemicals.

Wheezing can be created by spasms in the bronchial and bronchiolar walls, swelling in the wall lining and production of excess mucus. This can be a serious allergic reaction that can quickly become life-threatening and an emergency. Wheezing is the prominent symptom of asthma, a serious allergic disorder.

1. 1
   If you smoke, start taking steps to kick the habit

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2. 2
   Avoid secondhand smoke or chronic exposure to fumes as these can be respiratory irritants.

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3. 3
   Wear or carry some type of medical alert identification related to your allergies and any chronic disease.

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4. 4
   Inform all doctors, pharmacists, and pharmacists of your allergies.

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5. 5
   Ask your doctor about pneumonia and flu vaccinations.

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6. 6
   Exercise regularly.

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7. 7
   If stress is a factor in your wheezing, try learning some stress management techniques.

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8. 8
   Maintain normal weight to avoid additional stress on your respiratory system.

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9. 9
   Contact your doctor for information about prevention and treatment of your specific wheezing problem.

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• Unless your fluid intake has been limited by your doctor, drink at least two quarts of water daily.
• Maintain a humid environment with a cool-mist vaporizer.
• Learn and use relaxation techniques.
• Use your peak-flow meter, bronchiodilators, and other medications as directed by your doctor.

• To build your respiratory, things you can try are swimming and water aerobics.
• Anxiety and panic increase breathing distress and waste energy.
• DO NOT wait for early symptoms to go away on their own.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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