Wheezing can be defined as a high-pitched, coarse whistling sound made while breathing.

There are many factors that can cause wheezing such as asthma, allergic reactions, acute and chronic bronchitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, obstruction of an air way, tumour, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, emphysema and smoking or breathing in smoke.

Wheezing can happen to anyone, but people who are at high risk of getting it include those who are prone to allergies, having lung cancer, exposure to infection, past and current smokers.

Home remedies such as keeping your home warm and humid can open up the airways and help a person breathe more easily. Herbs and supplements also control wheezing. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, meditation and yoga are also helpful.

First line therapy is to control the inflammation in the airways, and to open up the breathing tubes with quick acting medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs can decrease inflammation and excess mucus in the airways. In children syrups are given. Bronchodilators are used as a quick acting medication. Inhalers are also available for long acting medication in case of cough and wheezing.