This article discusses wheezing symptoms and treatment.

Wheezing symptoms

The most common symptom of wheezing is a whistling sound while breathing, this could be symptomatic of mucus in the airways, asthma, bronchospasm, acute / chronic bronchitis or hay fever. All of these illnesses cause inflammation in the airways and a feeling of tightness that can lead to wheezing. It may also be a sign that there is something lodged in your throat or airway. Breathing difficulty, especially at exhalation, is another symptom that often accompanies wheezing. Sometimes it comes along with sputum and tightening in the chest. The whistling is hear better whilst exhaling quickly and covering the ears. The picture below identifies the inflammation, mucus build up and tightening of the smooth muscles around the airways that creates reduced airflow.

Wheezing causes

Wheezing symptoms are common in children, with up to 30% of preschoolers experiencing it. However, these usually disappear by the time the child turns three. This is often due to narrower airways and the developing respiratory system in young children. When adults experience wheezing, it can indicate a more serious health problem.

Sometimes, aside from difficulty breathing, wheezing may also be accompanied by a fever of 101°F or higher. This can happen due to a bacterial infection or developed bacterial infection caused by trapped mucus in the airways. However, it could also be a sign of pneumonia or bronchitis. Regardless of the cause, breathing becomes challenging and can feel like choking.

Other causes of wheezing include allergic reactions to seasonal or domestic allergens, which can lead to inflammation and increased mucus production. Additionally, food allergies can trigger airway inflammation and breathing difficulties.

Wheezing treatment

Regardless of the cause, without treatment, wheezing will worsen along with increased mucus production and coughing. This progression leads to more breathing difficulty, especially when the underlying cause persists. In some cases, stagnant mucus can develop bacterial infections, further complicating the condition. It is essential to initiate treatment as soon as possible.

Several wheezing treatment options are available. These include supplemental oxygen, the use of an asthma inhaler, inhaled corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory medications. Inhaled corticosteroids are particularly effective in quickly reducing inflammation and restoring normal breathing in many cases. However, it’s important to note that these treatments are typically short-term solutions and may come with potential side effects.

An alternative approach that offers a more natural and proven method for long-term treatment is Home Salt Therapy using the SaltAir device. Salt therapy has recognized benefits for a considerable amount of time. People have observed that the air in underground salt caves and near seashores is enriched with ions and salt micro-particles and that inhaling these particles helps eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens from the airways.

Salt particles also assist in reducing inflammation, combating pathogens, humidifying the respiratory mucosa, and clearing mucus. Over time, salt therapy can help desensitize the respiratory mucosa to allergens. This treatment approach addresses a range of respiratory conditions, including frequent coughing, chronic cough, asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and even snoring.

Scientific tests have confirmed the efficacy of salt aerosol treatment, leading to the development of devices like SaltAir. This ultrasonic salinizer simulates the effects of natural salt caves and seashores. When used, the device releases dry salt particles into the indoor air, promoting easier breathing. The process is very straightforward: plug in the device, and it converts a saline solution into breathable dry salt particles for you to inhale.

For optimal results, use SaltAir during sleep for approximately 7-8 hours. This method is easy to incorporate into your routine and offers a natural approach without any associated side effects