While it may seem like a hassle, visiting your doctor is the quickest and most efficient way to get rid of a persistent wheeze. Visit your doctor or an Urgent Care center promptly if your wheezing is accompanied by chest pain.
Conditions that commonly cause wheezing include asthma, allergies, bronchitis, other respiratory infections, and anxiety disorders. Other tests, including blood tests and chest X-rays, may also be necessary.
Wheezing caused by asthma can also be treated with emergency bronchodilator inhalers, inhaled corticosteroids, long-lasting brochodilator-corticosteroid combination inhalers, and asthma controller pills.
For example, wheezing caused by allergies can be prevented by avoiding any identified allergens. Your doctor may also prescribe a non-sedating antihistamine pill. Talk to your doctor to find out if the root cause of your wheezing could be environmental pollution, an overactive immune system, or gut sensitivity. Conditions like asthma and allergies can be caused by an underlying autoimmune condition, and removing the triggers for your condition could help improve your wheezing. For instance, you might need to remove gluten or dairy from your diet if you’re allergic to them. Similarly, treat any underlying infections that might be causing your immune system to attack your lungs instead. Your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator inhaler to treat wheezing caused by bronchitis, and if a bacterial infection develops, they might also prescribe an antibiotic. Patients whose wheezing stems from an anxiety disorder should seek treatment for their anxiety. This treatment can come in the form of medication, psychological therapy, or some combination of the two.
Emergency treatment may include a shot of epinephrine to open your airways. You may also need oxygen, corticosteroids, nebulizer treatments, or treatments with a mechanical ventilator. Some of these treatments can seem a little intimidating. But, they’re all painless, and will go a long way towards getting rid of your wheeze.
To the same effect, try boiling 1 quart (1 L) of water mixed with 8 to 10 drops of peppermint oil. Once the water begins to evaporate, take it into a small, closed room and breathe in the steam.
In moderate amounts, coffee can also offer some benefit. Caffeine can dilate the airways, which may make breathing easier and end your wheezing. Since caffeine also dehydrates, though, drink no more than 3 8-oz (250-mL) cups daily and offset it with plenty of hydrating fluids.
Instead of a hot towel, you could also use a hot water bottle. Make sure it’s not too hot, though, or you may burn yourself. It should be a temperature that feels good against your skin. Wheezing is associated with tense muscles in your chest, so warming this area of your body can help relax it and will reduce your wheeze.
Relaxing your body will loosen up the mucus in your lungs and make it easier to breathe clearly again.
Run a small air purifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your office and bedroom.
If your symptoms go away while you’re on the elimination diet, you likely have a food allergy. If your symptoms return after you eat a specific food, that’s likely the food that’s triggering your allergies. Cut that food out of your diet to help you feel better. Gluten and dairy are the most common culprits behind food sensitivities. Work with a registered dietitian who can help you design an elimination diet that meets your needs.
It’s best to eliminate processed foods from your diet altogether. If you identify any food triggers, eliminate them from your diet. Walking for 15-20 minutes after your meals may also help treat or prevent leaky gut.
Treat seasonal allergies that cannot be avoided with over-the-counter antihistamines. Severe seasonal allergies might need prescription medication.
When inhaled, these potent smells can both cause and worsen wheezing.
