Wheezing in a child with respiratory problems

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound heard when air passes through a narrowed passageway. It indicates spasms or inflammation in the large air passages in the lungs (bronchi). Wheezing can be heard when a person breathes in or out. Often wheezing begins or gets worse at night.

Wheezing is not unusual in children, especially those younger than age 5. Wheezing in this age group is usually caused by an upper respiratory infection.

Wheezing may be caused by swelling in the linings of air passages from allergic reactions, asthma, or lower respiratory infections. Medicines containing menthol that are rubbed on the child's chest or added to hot steam vaporizers may cause wheezing. If fever and cough are also present, a lower respiratory infection may be present.

Generally, wheezing noises are nothing to be alarmed about as long as the child looks and acts well and isn't struggling to breathe. However, if the wheezing noises are getting better but the child is having a harder time breathing, the child may be getting worse.

Wheezing is a common symptom of asthma. If your child has been evaluated for asthma by a health professional, follow the treatment plan. If wheezing is new or is not getting better with the treatment, contact a health professional.

Less commonly, wheezing may be caused by a swallowed object that "went down the wrong way" and was inhaled into the windpipe or lungs (aspirated).