Mild wheezing that occurs along with symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory infection does not always need to be treated. See a healthcare professional if you don't know why you're wheezing, your wheezing keeps coming back or it happens along with any of these symptoms:

• Trouble breathing.
• Rapid breathing.
• Blue or gray skin color.

Seek emergency care if wheezing:

• Begins right away after being stung by a bee, taking medicine or eating an allergy-causing food.
• Occurs while you're having a very hard time breathing or your skin looks blue or gray.
• Occurs after choking on a small object or food.

Self-care measures

To ease mild wheezing related to a cold or upper respiratory infection, try these tips:

• Moisturize the air. Use a humidifier, take a steamy shower or sit in the bathroom with the door closed while running a hot shower. Moist air might ease mild wheezing sometimes.
• Drink fluids. Warm liquids can relax your airway and loosen up sticky mucus in your throat.
• Stay away from tobacco smoke. Smoking or being exposed to smoke can worsen wheezing.
• Take all prescribed medicines. Follow your healthcare professional's instructions.