wheeze that comes and goes

Overview

A wheeze is a high-pitched whistling sound you make when you breathe out. When it comes and goes, it often means your airways narrow and then open up again. This can happen with conditions like asthma, allergies, or after a cold.

Yes, especially in children and young adults. Asthma affects around 1 in 11 people in the UK.

It can affect people of any age, but it often starts in childhood. Some people grow out of it, while others have it long-term.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A whistling sound when you breathe out
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in your chest
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning

Symptoms in children

• Wheezing when playing or laughing
• Rapid breathing or flaring nostrils
• Trouble feeding or sucking

Symptoms in older adults

• Wheezing may be mistaken for normal aging or a smoker's cough
• Shortness of breath with daily activities
• Symptoms may overlap with other lung conditions

Causes

Main causes

• Asthma – a condition where airways tighten and swell
• Allergies – to pollen, dust mites, pets, or mould
• Respiratory infections – like colds or flu
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – stomach acid upsets airways
• Smoking or second-hand smoke

Risk factors

• Family history of asthma or allergies
• Having eczema or hay fever
• Being around tobacco smoke
• Working in environments with dust, fumes, or chemicals

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden, severe wheezing that does not go away
• You are short of breath even at rest
• You have chest pain or your lips turn blue

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a new wheeze that lasts more than a few days
• The wheeze wakes you up at night
• It affects your daily activities or exercise

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and may do breathing tests to measure how well your lungs work.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry – you blow into a tube to measure air flow
• Peak flow test – a small device you blow into daily
• Allergy tests – skin or blood tests to find triggers
• Chest X-ray – to rule out other problems

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms and peak flow readings. The doctor will work with you to find the best way to manage your wheeze.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the wheeze. For asthma, the main approach is to avoid triggers and use medicines to open the airways and reduce swelling.

Self-care at home

• Avoid things that trigger your wheeze – like smoke, pollen, or dust
• Use a humidifier if dry air bothers you
• Breathe slowly and calmly during a wheeze episode
• Keep a symptom diary to find patterns

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe inhalers – a 'reliever' to use when wheezing starts, and a 'preventer' to use daily to keep airways calm. These are usually breathed in so the medicine goes straight to your lungs. Always follow your doctor's advice on how to use them.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if a foreign object or growth is blocking the airway.

Living with this condition

Most people with intermittent wheezing manage well by knowing their triggers and keeping their treatment plan up to date. Carry your reliever inhaler if prescribed.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
• Stay active, but warm up properly before exercise
• Reduce stress – it can trigger or worsen wheezing

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables supports your immune system. Exercise can help lung function, but start gently and avoid triggers like cold air or pollen if they affect you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about when the next wheeze might happen can cause anxiety. It's normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor if it affects your daily life.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent wheezing, but avoiding known triggers and following your treatment plan can reduce how often it happens.

Vaccines

The flu vaccine is recommended for people with asthma or chronic lung conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for wheezing. If you have symptoms, see your doctor for an assessment.

Complications

If left untreated

• More frequent and severe wheezing attacks
• Lung function may decline over time
• Emergency hospital visits

Long-term outlook

With good care, most people with intermittent wheezing lead full, active lives. The outlook is very good, especially when you work closely with your healthcare team.

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