Wheezing: Treatment
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More about Wheezing:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Alternative treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
Mild wheezing may be relieved by drinking plenty of juice, water, weak tea, and broth. Ice-cold drinks should be avoided.
A vaporizer can help clear air passages. A steam tent, created by lowering the face toward a sink filled with hot water, placing a towel over the head and sink, and inhaling the steam, can do likewise.
Bronchodilators (medications that help widen narrowed airways) may be prescribed for patients whose wheezing is the result of asthma.
Antibiotics are generally used to cure acute bronchitis and other respiratory infections. Expectorants coughproducing medications) or bronchodilators are prescribed to remove excess mucus from the breathing passages.
If wheezing is caused by an allergic reaction, antihistamines will probably be prescribed to neutralize body chemicals that react to the allergen.
Medical emergenciesBreathing problems can be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is required whenever an individual:
- turns blue or gray and stops breathing
- becomes extremely short of breath, and is unable to speak
- coughs up bubbly-pink or white phlegm
- seems to be suffocating
- develops a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
- wheezes most of the time, and coughs up gray or greenish phlegm
— Maureen Haggerty
