Wheezing can be caused by respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema, however, other medical conditions and even the medications you take can also cause wheezing. If you develop wheezing, the cause will need to be established before a treatment plan can be recommended. Here are some medical clinic interventions you can expect if you present with wheezing.  

Lung Auscultation And Chest X-Ray

The medical clinic healthcare provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to assess for abnormal sounds. Abnormal lung sounds can indicate the presence of congestion and fluid in your lungs, however, these findings are not diagnostic. Because of this, you may need a chest X-ray so that they can further evaluate your symptoms by looking for areas of concern in your lungs—such as those associated with masses, lung collapse, fluid, scarring, and densities.

Severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and bronchitis can be diagnosed through a routine chest X-ray. If your chest X-ray is inconclusive, the medical clinic physician may refer you back to your primary physician or recommend visiting a hospital emergency room for more sophisticated diagnostic imaging tests such as a lung scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Personal Medical History And Medication

The healthcare provider at the medical clinic will also ask you if you have had a recent respiratory infection, asthma, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER). Reflux can cause pharyngeal irritation and excessive mucus production in the throat which can cause wheezing. The medical center doctor may also ask you about the medications you take because certain drugs can cause wheezing. If the health care clinic physician suspects that your wheezing is caused by a medication sensitivity, they may recommend allergy testing. Other allergic reactions that can cause wheezing include allergies to pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, mold, and pollen.

You may also be given bronchodilator medications to help open up your airway to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath. These medications are commonly known as "inhalers," and in addition to a bronchodilator, the healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotics if your wheezing is caused by bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia.

If you experience wheezing, visit a medical clinic or seek emergency medical attention if your wheezing is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or faintness. Once the source of your wheezing has been identified, an effective treatment plan will be implemented so that you can breathe easier and feel better.

Contact a local medical clinic to learn more.