Customer question:
I hear my lungs wheeze when I cough or take a deep breath. I have a cold, but the wheezing makes me a little worried. Is wheezing during a cold normal? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Mild wheezing that occurs along with symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory infection does not always require treatment. However, if you wheeze when you exhale, this is a sign that the air in your airways is not flowing as optimally as usual, probably because the airways are narrowed or partially blocked.
Wheezing isn't always a cause for concern, but it can sometimes indicate a more serious health problem, so it's essential to know when to see a doctor.
The most common causes of wheezing are:
- asthma, either allergic or exercise-induced
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- a viral illness of the upper respiratory tract, such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
A cough is a common symptom of a cold. Maybe your lungs are irritated, or your body is trying to eliminate mucus. But if you still feel wheezing after a cold, call your doctor immediately.
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