Symptom: Continued Wheezing

Continued wheezing is a persistent sound made when breathing, typically when exhaling, that is high-pitched and may sound like whistling. Continued wheezing is a common symptom of asthma, a respiratory condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the airways. Continued wheezing may also indicate other respiratory conditions and infections such as bronchitis or bronchiolitis, emphysema, COPD, and pneumonia. Continued wheezing may also indicate lung cancer, GERD, or heart failure, or be a side effect of smoking. In children younger than age 2, wheezing can indicate a serious viral infection. Hospitalization is sometimes required for people who wheeze when they breathe if continued wheezing makes breathing difficult or they need oxygen.