Inflammation and narrowing of the airway in any location, from your throat out into your lungs, can result in wheezing.

The most common causes of recurrent wheezing are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which both cause narrowing and spasms (bronchospasms) in the small airways of your lungs.

However, any inflammation in your throat or larger airways can cause wheezing. Common causes include infection, an allergic reaction or a physical obstruction, such as a tumor or a foreign object that's been inhaled.

All of the following conditions can lead to wheezing:

1. Allergies
2. Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction, such as to an insect bite or medication)
3. Asthma
4. Bronchiectasis (a chronic lung condition in which abnormal widening of bronchial tubes inhibits mucus clearing)
5. Bronchiolitis (especially in young children)
6. Bronchitis
7. Childhood asthma
8. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
9. Emphysema
10. Epiglottitis (swelling of the "lid" of your windpipe)
11. Foreign object inhaled: First aid
12. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
13. Heart failure
14. Lung cancer
15. Medications (particularly aspirin)
16. Sleep apnea, obstructive (a condition in which breathing stops and starts during sleep)
17. Pneumonia
18. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — especially in young children
19. Respiratory tract infection (especially in children younger than 2)
20. Smoking
21. Vocal cord dysfunction (a condition that affects vocal cord movement)

• Definition
• When to see a doctor

Jan. 11, 2018