How does wheezing happen?

Ah, wheezing — the sound that makes you feel like a whistle just went off in your lungs. But have you ever stopped to wonder what actually causes this screeching noise? Well, look no further because we’re about to take a deep dive into the mysterious world of wheezing.

Wheeze, What is it?

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that’s made when air flows through narrowed breathing tubes in your body. It can happen during inhalation or exhalation and may be heard in one or both lungs.

You may experience shortness of breath along with wheezing after physical activity such as exercise. Alternatively, if you are suffering from asthma, allergies or respiratory infections such as COVID-19 pneumonia causing fluid buildup inside your airways then wheezing will also occur during regular breathing.

There are many things that could trigger wheezin’ n squeezen’ episodes; some include:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Scented products
  • Chemicals
  • Humidity

The list could go on forever but let’s move on to figuring how our bodies react to these triggers.

Inside Your Lungs

Firstly aerodynamics plays an important role here! Aerodynamics deal with the movement of gases (in this case Oxygen and Carbon dioxide) within and around objects(Our Lungs). Secondly imagine two pipes joined together – this junction where there’s cross over between two pipes produces turbulence which results in “whistle” type sounds at times thus exacerbating the already constricted/damaged windpipe.

More serious medical conditions involved narrowing/phlegm build-up/swelling/inflammation/blockage at portions inside our respiratory tree specifically smaller pathways called bronchioles^1,which bring oxygenated air into the lungs from outside and then release carbon dioxide out.

The narrowing in these airways causes the air to rush through more quickly, creating the wheezing sound.

Sometimes, when we inhale something that shouldn’t be there like dirt-particulate matter/pollen etc., our body’s defense mechanism kicks into gear causing a sudden physical constriction of da tubes^2^^for example; if you accidentally breathe in some dust bunnies while cleaning behind your sofa or snort up some bee pollen while frolicking between flowers just as summer turns around. The same could occur with respect to any irritants/substances you are allergic to such as cat hair or dander(in my case anything under the sun) .

Causes of Wheezing

Now let’s talk about all serious medical reasons one may experience “wheezin’ n squeezen” episodes :

Asthma

Probably a big one on everybody’s mind although asthma is commonly diagnosed but it can still mimic other diseases making diagnosis difficult(don’t trust Google!).An asthmatic episode is usually triggered due exposure to pollutants,dust,pollen,mold spores which leads inflammation of the breathing pipes resulting in tighter than normal bronchioles further constrained by mucous secretion(this gooey lovely thing has been produced as an inflammatory response). As stated earlier this narrowness speeds up airflow generating whistling noise.

Bronchitis

A story where Airforce Amy visits Brother Gotthardt at institute.
No not that kind! Bronchitis means inflammation(swelling)/phlegm buildup inside your major lung pathways(trachea & bronchi); accompanied with wheezy cough producing colorful discharges .This generally occurs after upper respiratory tract infection and has subtypes depending on length/cause/incidence.

The differences between these two very different-yet-common winter ailments lie for most part within symptoms themselves^3, but it is essential to seek medical advice if in doubt.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia likely provides a clearer roadmap towards potentially life-threatening symptoms without timely treatment. And honestly between you and I, its starting to get chilly out there so the notion of such maladies just gives shivers down one’s spine.
Seen usually as an sequelae or consequence of other infections such flu/ covid19 etc involving especially complex airways branching into smaller sacs called ‘alveoli’ responsible for exchange of Oxygen-dioxide.Pus like fluid accumulates around(basic- while-alarmingly dangerous-explanation) rendering {wait for it people} an inability up take in enough oxygen. This boils down small delicate membranes separating air inside alveolar space from blood stream getting disrupted by infection although causative agents vary in severity/type.{ oh dont we know},Further characterized usually by sudden onset ,chesty cough with phlegm & weakness+feverish episodes .

In most scenarios, Ventilation-assistance/supportive care would be needed while combating underlying viral/bacterial cause too.

Emphysema

Oh boy did i have trouble spelling this right(actually google helped).
It isn’t nearly as cute rhyming-syrupy syrup as asthma — Incase bronchioles go on to get damaged because either hours of smoking(who are we kidding maybe even minutes), chronic exposure environmental pollutants(read:water-bottle-flipping-particulate matter) engenders damage making them unable hold themselves open resulting progressive breathlessness/wheezing despite cessation harmful activity all together.

Wrap Up

In conclusion,wheezy at times sounds often felt through palpitations/restrictions within your chest cones are caused due narrowed windpipes resulting constricted airflow.We can see how innocuous triggers like Pet-allergies/dander can trigger quite alarming physiological responses.There exist abnormal conditions of air pipe swelling/narrowing in cases of serious medical issues involving coughs, color-discharge from mucus , shortness of breath along with the whistle. It is always best to consult a licensed medical practitioner in case you experience any form of wheezing to ensure prompt and efficient diagnosis and treatment.

Remember as loud and funny it might sound in the moment, your body’s trying to tell you something.While Its all fun-games until someone falls off their breathing regime! Stay safe,friends.

References

1 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchiole
2. National institute for health website.
3.Sometime Good Medical Practice-Dr Suneet Monga makes an astoundingly captivating read about differences between bronchitis/asthma..check out one lazy Sunday .

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