Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling or musical sound that occurs during breathing. It happens when air moves through narrowed or partially blocked tubes in the lungs or airways. Wheezing is most often heard when breathing out (exhaling), but can sometimes be heard during inhaling as well. The sound is caused by airflow through constricted airways, which can result from swelling, mucus buildup, bronchoconstriction, or other obstructions. Wheezing is a symptom that can indicate breathing problems and is commonly associated with conditions such as:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Bronchitis
• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis
• Heart failure (sometimes called cardiac asthma)
• Vocal cord problems
• Inhaled foreign objects
• Smoking-related lung damage
• Acid reflux disease (GERD)

It can range from mild and temporary, like wheezing during a cold or allergy, to more severe in chronic lung diseases or acute allergic reactions. Wheezing may also be accompanied by other symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing, and it may require medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Hearing wheezing, especially if it causes breathing difficulty or is persistent, is a sign to seek medical advice. Overall, wheezing is a sign of narrowed or obstructed airways that disrupt normal airflow in and out of the lungs. It is important to identify the cause because treatments vary depending on the underlying condition.