A whistling sound when you exhale as a symptomatic manifestation of any disease is called wheezing. During an allergic reaction, your airway may tighten, forcing you to work harder to breathe in enough air, which can cause a wheezing sound. It is most typical when exhaling.
There are a few factors that can cause wheezing, some of which are serious and require immediate treatment. The three most common causes of allergic wheezing include allergic reactions, allergic asthma and anaphylactic shock.
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is when the body’s immune system overreacts to a stimulus that would otherwise be harmless. Allergic reactions may cause:
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes and throat
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Coughing
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
Allergic reactions can be caused by pollen, dust, foods, insects and certain medications. Treatments typically include antihistamines from places like Hunnington Pharmacy or steroids.
Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma is asthma attacks triggered by allergens. Not everyone who has allergic wheezing has allergic asthma, but allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, affecting 60% of people with asthma. Wheezing is a symptom of an allergic asthma attack, along with coughing, rapid breathing, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest. Treatment for allergic asthma can include drugs to prevent symptoms and quick relief medications that expand airways. A doctor can help you find the right treatment for allergic asthma.
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is a serious allergic reaction resulting in difficulty breathing, rapid breathing and swelling of the face or lips, accompanied by wheezing. Anaphylactic shock is serious, and if you or someone around you is experiencing it, you should contact emergency services. If the person has an EpiPen®, lay the person down and administer the drug. If the allergen is a food substance, remove it if possible. If the person does not have an EpiPen, a first responder will administer one.
If you or someone around you is having difficulty breathing, in the form of wheezing or otherwise, you should see a doctor.
For questions about allergies, allergic wheezing or to schedule an allergy test, connect with North Alabama ENT Associates.