Wheezing is a whistling, squeaking, or puffing sound made as air is forced through narrowed or swollen airways. It is a sign of a restricted airway. If a person's airways become so narrowed that enough air cannot move in and out of the lungs, it can result in a medical emergency. Often wheezing is worse when exhaling (breathing out).

Some of the causes for wheezing are:
* asthma,
* an allergic reaction to airborne allergens,
* a bad cold or upper respiratory infection,
* objects stuck in the wind pipe like food or small toys,
* inhalation of irritants such as smoke, soot or dust,
* chronic lung diseases like emphysema, and bronchitis ,
* a collapsed lung, or
* lung cancer.

Try these self-care tips for temporary relief:
* Use a humidifier in your home.
* Inhale the steam from a warm shower.
* Use a bronchodilator as directed.
* Avoid airborne allergens such as molds and pollens.
* Cover your mouth and nose if you go out into the cold air.

Seek immediate medical evaluation for wheezing and:
* Shortness of breath with restlessness, confusion, and anxiety.
* Fast and irregular breathing.
* Bluish tinge around the lips.
* Inability to speak.

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