When to seek medical advice

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing.

Seek emergency care if wheezing:

  • Begins suddenly after you’ve been stung by a bee, taken medication or eaten an allergy-causing food
  • Is accompanied by severe difficulty breathing or bluish skin color
  • Occurs after you’ve choked on a small object or food

See a doctor if you develop wheezing that is unexplained, keeps coming back (recurrent), or is accompanied by any of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Briefly bluish skin color

Wheezing in adults

Find possible causes of wheezing based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your symptom.

Wheezing is
Preceded by
Triggered or worsened by
Accompanied by