Symptoms - Wheezing

If you make a high-pitched whistle-like noise when you breathe, you may be worried about it. This is called “wheezing” and can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it points to common issues like a bad cold, allergies, or asthma. But sometimes, it can mean you have a more serious condition.^1-3

If you wheeze often, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. They can run tests to find the cause.^1-3

What is happening in my chest when I wheeze?

Basically, wheezing means that your trachea (air tube) has narrowed, or something is in the way.^1,3

Think about your breathing for a minute. Breathing is a cycle of bringing air in and letting it back out. You do this without thinking about it. When you breathe in, air travels past your larynx (inner throat) and down your air tube. It enters your bronchi (lung air tubes) and spreads to all parts of your lungs. Then you breathe out.^1,3

This is where wheezing comes in. Say that something is blocking your air tubes, a little or a lot. Or they are swollen or inflamed. Now the tubes are less open for air to travel. Air passing through the narrowed tubes makes a sound.^1,3,4

What conditions can cause wheeze?

Many conditions can cause wheeze. Some are common, others are more serious.^3-5

Common conditions:^1,3-5

• A cold
• An allergy
• Asthma
• A viral infection in your air tubes
• A viral or bacterial infection in your lungs
• Chronic acid reflux (stomach acid in the throat can cause irritation)
• Sleep apnea (breathing off and on while sleeping)

Less common, more serious conditions:^1,3-5

• Lung or air tube damage from smoking
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema (inflammation of the lungs’ tiny air sacs, making breathing difficult)
• Problems with your vocal cords (muscle bands in your voice box)
• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
• Heart failure
• Cancer (lung, air tubes, voice box)

What is the connection between wheezing and lung cancer?

Many people with lung cancer do not notice symptoms until the disease is far along. But there is a proven link between some early, often ignored signs and lung cancer. Wheezing is one of those signs (but wheezing alone typically does not signify lung cancer).^1,3-5

A 2023 study looked at a potential connection between 22 symptoms and lung cancer. Of the 22 symptoms, 11 were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer being present. And 7 of those symptoms were linked to lung cancer 6 months before lung cancer diagnosis. Those 7 symptoms were:⁴

• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood or bloody mucus)
• Cough
• Wheeze or chest crackles
• Bone pain
• Back pain
• Weight loss
• Constant tiredness

What tests can my doctor use to find out why I wheeze?

When you see your doctor, they will likely do some tests. Some of those may be to rule out causes. They may do some or all the following, depending on the results of each step:^1,3

• Go through your health history, to see if there is a likely reason for wheezing
• Ask questions, like how long you have been wheezing and how often
• Listen to your chest and back for wheeze, while you breathe
• Do pulse oximetry (check your blood oxygen levels by placing a device on your finger)
• Take a chest x-ray to see if there is something in your air tubes or lungs
• Ask you to breathe in through a nebulizer (a small plastic tube containing breathing drugs)
• Do a computed tomography (CT) scan to see a detailed picture of your air tube, inner chest, and lungs

From that point, your doctor will have a better idea of why you are wheezing. They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor) for care. Or if it turns out to be lung cancer, to an oncologist (cancer doctor).^1,3

What is the take-away?

Pay attention to any symptoms listed above that may point to lung cancer. If you have any of these, including frequent wheezing, call your doctor for an appointment. Be prepared to go through some simple tests to find answers.^1-4

Remember, acting right away can buy you time and earlier treatment. And earlier treatment can improve your outcome. You can face these steps with hope, knowing you have that advantage.^1-4