Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling as you breathe out. Your chest may feel tight and you may find it hard to breathe. The most common cause is asthma; attacks are often an allergic reaction to inhaled substances such as dust, or are due to stress, cold air, or exercise. Other causes of wheezing include chest infection ; tobacco smoke; a severe allergic reaction; or a heart or lung problem.
See your doctor first
Arrange to see your doctor promptly if you have a wheezy chest. Check if you are taking drugs that may cause wheezing, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers or beta-blockers.
PREVENTION
Reducing allergens in the home Many people with asthma are allergic to the droppings of house dust mites. Other triggers include mould, fur and dander (flakes of skin) from pets, and household chemicals. Take these steps to reduce triggers.
* Dust surfaces with a damp cloth and try to reduce clutter in your home. Don’t have too many soft toys for a child with asthma. Every 2 weeks, put them in a bag in the freezer for 6 hours, or through a hot wash.
* Use pillows and duvets with synthetics fillings, and covers that protect users fro house dust mites. Buy a mattress cover that fits over the whole mattress, not just the top. Wash bed linen weekly at 60 c (140 f ) Clean curtains regularly or replace them with blinds.
* Replace carpets with wooden or vinyl flooring, if possible, or choose short-pile synthetic carpets.
* Vacuum regularly; use a high-powered cleaner with a filter. Ask someone else to empty the machine.
* Make sure that your home is well ventilated. Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed to prevent damp from spreading. Treat any mould on tiles, shower curtains, and bathroom windows with a weak bleach solution. Avoid using chemicals with strong fumes.
* If you’re allergic to a pet, you may have to give it up. If you can’t, keep the pet out of your bedroom completely an out of main living areas as much as possible. Have your pet groomed or bathed regularly.
What you can do yourself
These measures will help to relieve or prevent asthma attacks, or wheezing due to other causes, and support any treatment from your doctor.
* When an asthma attack begins, try to keep calm and breathe slowly. Sit in a comfortable position; you may find it helpful to lean forward and rest your arms on a table or the back of a chair.
* If you use an asthma inhaler, keep it with you at all times and use it as directed. Keep extra inhalers at home and at work or school.
* If stress makes wheezing worse, try practicing deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp 20-21). You can also use them to calm yourself during an attack.
* Regular exercise, such as walking and swimming in a heated pool, can improve symptoms and keep you fit, as long as they don’t make wheezing worse.
* keep out of cold air; if you have to go out, wrap a scarf loosely around your face to warm the air as you breathe. When the air pollution level is high, stay indoors and keep doors and windows close.
* Avoid smoky or dusty environments and allergens that might provoke an asthma attack (see PREVENTION, right). If you smoke, stop.
Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor if:
* You cannot control asthma or other wheezing attacks using these measures
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