Wheezing and coughing: causes, warnings and how to treat

Wheezing and coughing often worries those suffering from the condition, as it may indicate a more serious condition. ^{1 2}

In this case, it is always recommended to seek medical attention for a more assertive and detailed assessment of the case, in addition to receiving recommendations for safer and more efficient treatments.  ^{1 2}

Until the consultation, you are welcome to inform yourself about the possible causes, symptoms, warning signs and medications used to alleviate the condition. This post is a good starting point to understand the problem and seek the necessary help.

Enjoy reading!

What could be wheezing and coughing?

Before understanding what wheezing and coughing can be , let’s define these symptoms better:

• wheezing ²: production of wheezing and characteristic sounds with the passage of air in the airways, generally caused by narrowing or obstruction of the respiratory ducts;
• cough ¹: involuntary reflex that compresses the lungs and expels air from the body. It serves to clean the airways, eliminating secretion, microorganisms and foreign bodies from the respiratory and esophageal tract. It can be dry or productive (with phlegm).

In both cases, there may be conditions that narrow the ducts of the respiratory system, either due to inflammation in the mucous membrane or accumulation of secretion.  ^{1 2}

The airflow in the airways produces a short whistle. Meanwhile, coughing is caused by allergic symptoms and the presence of irritating agents in the path that goes from the lungs to the throat. ^{1 2}

See diseases that can cause these symptoms at the same time!

Respiratory infection, such as colds and flu

Various respiratory infections can cause this condition. However, coughing is more common, capable of occurring in both upper and lower inflammation. Wheezing breathing tends to be more frequent when the lower airways are affected, getting closer to the lungs. ³

Therefore, the flu and even pneumonia are more likely to develop both symptoms than a cold. However, it is not possible to establish this rule completely. ⁴

For example, children’s colds are more impactful than those of adults, as children’s airways are naturally narrower and closer together. Therefore, it is not difficult for wheezing to occur when the child breathes, regardless of the type of respiratory infection in progress. ³

In addition to these symptoms, they can also cause ⁴ :

• headache and body pain;
• fever;
• fatigue;
• nasal congestion;
• post-nasal drip;
• runny nose;
• sore throat.

Asthma

Asthma is a condition that is synonymous with narrowing of the airways. In this case, wheezing and coughing are quite common complaints. Allergic reactions and exercise are among the main triggers of asthma attacks. ⁵

In addition to these complaints, other common symptoms of asthma are the feeling of tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and difficulty in inhaling and filling the lungs.  ⁵

Blood oxygenation may drop, leaving your lips and fingertips with a bluish tinge. When this occurs, it is also common to have mental confusion and a strong feeling of anguish or despair. ⁵

Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, small internal branches of the lungs. Generally, the condition is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms, with and without phlegm. ⁶

Wheezing also happens, especially with worsening inflammation, which can significantly narrow the ducts that reach the lungs. Other common complaints include ⁶ :

• fever;
• muscle aches;
• fatigue;
• sore throat;
• runny nose;
• shortness of breathe.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is an umbrella term, used to classify cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, among others. The manifestation of the disease is very similar to that of the previous topic, with the main difference being the recurrence of respiratory crises. ⁷

The concern with obstructive lung disease is the risk of respiratory failure and low saturation, which can cause complications in other parts of the body, such as the heart and nervous system. ⁷

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

The respiratory system shares space with the digestive tract. Therefore, it is possible that wheezing and coughing may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux. ⁸

This condition is characterized by an increase in gastric juice in the body, which rises up the esophagus and can cause damage to the throat tissue. For this reason, the disorder favors inflammation and irritation in the throat, which can cause coughing. ⁸

Furthermore, liquid from the stomach can reach the trachea and cause fluid accumulation, damage to the mucosa due to its acidity and various complications, such as asthma, pneumonia and fibrosis. ⁸

The most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are ⁸ :

• heartburn;
• burning;
• bad breath;
• sore throat;

Allergies

Allergic reactions can provoke an inadequate immune response, resulting in inflammation that can affect the respiratory tract. In milder cases, the mucosa becomes more sensitive and irritated. However, more intense cases cause coughing, narrowing and obstruction of air flow. ⁹

Less common causes

In addition to these conditions, which are most prominent among the causes of coughing and wheezing, it is worth mentioning other health problems capable of causing such symptoms. For example ³ :

• cardiac insufficiency;
• arrhythmia;
• anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction);
• bronchiolitis (in babies);
• introduction of foreign objects into the airways.

When should I worry?

With so many different causes and symptoms capable of causing serious complications, it is recommended to alert and seek medical attention when ^{1 2} occurs :

• shortness of breathe;
• chest pain;
• mental confusion;
• excessive drowsiness;
• short breath;
• clipped speech;
• sharp wheezing;
• productive cough ;
• bluish lips and fingers.

How to treat wheezing and coughing?

The best way to deal with these symptoms is to seek treatments for the condition that gave rise to the condition. Without acting on the cause, care is unlikely to be effective enough. Furthermore, it is very important to monitor diseases that can cause respiratory difficulties, especially involving children. ^{1 2}

Most of the time, by treating the inflammation, it is possible to expand the airways and reduce wheezing. So, the only thing left to do is treat the cough. To alleviate the symptom, you need to drink plenty of water, moisten your mucous membranes and avoid triggers that cause irritation and make you cough. ^{1 2}

If you have a heavy and productive cough, the phlegm can be more difficult to deal with, as it sticks together and takes on a more viscous texture. ¹

At these times you can count on Benetosse Syrup to get 3 in 1 relief for coughing with sputum. The medicine acts as an expectorant, fluidifier and phlegm eliminator, all based on the active ingredients and benefits of hedera helix. ¹⁰

Access the Benetosse page and learn more about the indications for this treatment.