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"Wheezing"

By Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N., About.com

Updated: February 29, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

Definition: Wheezing is an asthma symptom that results from narrowing of the airways. A wheeze sounds like a high-pitched whistle as you breathe through your mouth or nose.

Although wheezing is heard most easily when breathing out, or exhaling, it can also be heard when breathing in, or inhaling. Wheezing is a sure sign of an asthma flare-up and is often accompanied by chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Find out more about wheezing and other asthma symptoms

Source: Medline Plus

Also Known As: sibiliant rhonchi

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