The cause of wheezing may occur anywhere from your throat to your lungs. Any condition that causes irritation or inflammation — which usually includes swelling, redness, warmth and sometimes pain — in the airway can result in wheezing.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, are the most common causes of wheezing that happens over and over again. Asthma and COPD cause narrowing and spasms, also known as bronchospasms, in the small airways of your lungs. Respiratory infections, allergic reactions, allergies or irritants can cause short-term wheezing.

Other conditions that can affect your throat or larger airways and cause wheezing include:

  1. Allergies — Injury, such as from a blunt trauma or burn.
  2. Anaphylaxis
  3. Asthma
  4. Bronchiectasis, an ongoing lung condition in which unusual widening of the bronchial tubes keeps mucus from clearing.
  5. Bronchiolitis (especially in young children)
  6. Bronchitis
  7. Childhood asthma
  8. COPD — a long-term lung disease that causes trouble with breathing.
  9. Emphysema — a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.
  10. Epiglottitis
  11. Inhaled foreign object.
  12. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  13. Heart failure — a condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
  14. Lung cancer
  15. Medicines, particularly aspirin.
  16. Obstructive sleep apnea
  17. Pneumonia
  18. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  19. Respiratory tract infection, especially in children younger than 2.
  20. Smoking.
  21. Vocal cord dysfunction, a condition that affects vocal cord movement.

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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Nov. 02, 2024

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  9. Anaphylaxis
  10. Anaphylaxis: First aid
  11. Ascariasis
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  20. Asthma treatment: Control your symptoms with 3 simple steps
  21. Asthma: Colds and flu
  22. Asthma: Testing and diagnosis
  23. Atrioventricular canal defect
  24. Bronchiolitis
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  26. Carcinoid tumors
  27. Cardiac asthma: What causes it?
  28. Chronic cough
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  41. Heart failure
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  43. Heart failure and sex: Is it safe?
  44. Holiday Heart
  45. Infographic: Lung Cancer
  46. Lung cancer
  47. Lung nodules: Can they be cancerous?
  48. Milk allergy
  49. Nasal Cleaning
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  58. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  59. Sarcoidosis
  60. Shellfish allergy
  61. Single-dose dry powder inhaler
  62. Super Survivor Conquers Cancer
  63. Tracheomalacia
  64. Using a metered dose asthma inhaler and spacer
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  67. Vocal cord dysfunction
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