Constant wheezing in the lungs. Causes and treatment of wheezing in the lungs when breathing in adults? Treatment with folk remedies

The defeat of the respiratory system is one of the most popular diseases. They are characterized by many clinical manifestations.

Among the most common manifestations, wheezing during breathing is distinguished. These manifestations occur mainly in inflammatory processes in tissues with the development of effusion.

Wheezing in the lungs is the appearance of unhealthy breath sounds during breathing. The condition is associated with damage to the respiratory system. They can have different characteristics such as frequency and sound.

FROMAmong the main reasons for their development are respiratory diseases of a different nature. These manifestations require a thorough diagnosis, establishing the cause and selecting the most effective therapy.

Causes of wheezing in the lungs

The development of wheezing in the lungs during breathing is characteristic of various pathologies. Diagnosis and determination of the exact cause of the development of such symptoms during breathing underlies the selection of therapy.

Bronchospasm

Nonspecific damage to the bronchi, which is accompanied by a violation of their patency.

Against the background of its progressive course, tissue disorganization occurs with a change in pulmonary ventilation and difficulty in the outflow of bronchial secretions.

The patient experiences a gradually increasing lack of air with the development of respiratory failure.

Bronchospasm is characterized by a progressive course with the formation of seizures. They are accompanied by a sharp deterioration in well-being and fear of death.

Bronchial asthma

This reason for the development of wheezing during breathing carries an allergic nature. It is associated with the development of hypersensitivity of the body in response to the surrounding chemicals, drugs, products.

Wheezing during breathing begins to appear from the initial stages of the development of the disease, their character is predominantly wet.

They are susceptible to the development of facial pathology at any age, but patients from 25 to 35 years old most often face the primary appearance.

For its occurrence, it is often necessary to have a hereditary predisposition to allergic diseases.

In the absence of treatment, a steadily progressive course appears. Wheezing when breathing will gradually worsen, accompanied by severe shortness of breath with a feeling of suffocation. With a sharp deterioration in well-being and the absence of medical care, a fatal outcome occurs.

SARS


The cause of its development can be various types of viral agents.

As a rule, the disease is characterized by a seasonal type of course, the peak of which occurs in autumn or spring.

The most susceptible to its development are persons with a reduced state of the immune system, as well as patients with concomitant diseases.

As a result of the action of the virus, tissue inflammation occurs with the development of edema.

If left untreated, the risk of infection moving to the underlying sections increases with the formation of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Wheezing during breathing develops in advanced cases, when the therapy does not have the desired effect, in addition, the clinic characterizes a false croup.

Bronchitis

This inflammatory process localized in the bronchi develops as a result of a long-term lesion of the upper tracts.

Bacterial agents are predominantly the main cause.

The disease can develop in people at different ages. The risk group includes smokers and people with a tendency to reduce immunity.

In pathology, the patient is concerned about a cough of a different nature, most often it is wet with a large amount of sputum discharge.

Wheezing in the lungs when breathing is a mandatory symptom of bronchitis. They may appear in the early stages of development. There is a deterioration in general well-being with an increase in body temperature and intoxication.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lung tissue is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in well-being.

The pathological process most often occurs as a result of the vital activity of bacterial agents.

Pneumonia is characterized by:

Pulmonary edema

The exit of the liquid part of the blood beyond the bloodstream is characterized by a sharp deterioration in well-being. It is associated with a violation of the respiratory function and a lack of oxygen supply to the tissues.

The respiratory surface of the lung tissue decreases and fluid accumulates in the alveoli, which, when mixed with oxygen, begins to foam. This process occurs as a complication against the background of underlying diseases.

Most often it develops with long-term bilateral pneumonia. The patient feels a sharp lack of air, suffocation, as well as coughing and the appearance of pronounced wheezing when breathing. Contact with harmful chemicals and vapors should not be excluded from the causes of the development of pulmonary edema.

Tuberculosis

Specific damage to the body caused by the action of a specific pathogen. It is a bacterial agent - Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

ZThe disease is widespread in modern society. Most often it develops in people of socially disadvantaged strata of society.

Its development is most susceptible to people with weakened immune systems and the presence of concomitant diseases localized in the lung tissue. It may take several years from the moment of infection to the onset of typical symptoms.

Pathology is characterized by:

If left untreated for several years, complete tissue destruction can occur, followed by death.

Heart failure

Pathology is caused by a malfunction of the cardiovascular system. As a result of trigger factors, malformations of the heart, a violation of the structure of blood vessels, pathological narrowing or expansion, as well as the consequences of severe heart attacks that occur with complications, are isolated.


The disease is characterized by:

  • The development of a wet cough;
  • The appearance of moist fine bubbling rales during breathing. Their occurrence appears against the background of fluid stagnation in the lower parts of the lung tissue.
  • With a long-term process, pneumonia can develop with the formation of edema.

Elimination of the condition is impossible without the start of etiotropic therapy aimed at treating the cardiovascular system.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pathology develops as a result of a violation of the structure of the bronchial tree. The process of movement of air masses is disturbed.

Most often, COPD is formed in persons of mature age; men who abuse smoking are susceptible to its development. For the appearance of wheezing in the lung tissue, a long course of the disease is necessary.

Symptoms:

  • At the initial stages, patients can note the clinic of chronic bronchitis, in which there is no positive effect of therapy.
  • As the process progresses, moist rales develop during breathing., which are aggravated by severe shortness of breath and the formation of respiratory failure.
  • Patients note a deterioration in the quality of life due to the constant feeling of lack of air.. Therapy is symptomatic, since it is impossible to achieve a complete recovery.

Crayfish

A malignant process localized in the lung tissue is the most dangerous beer for the appearance of wheezing during breathing. Pathology develops in people of different ages.

The most susceptible to its development are smokers, as well as people who have been in contact with chemicals in hazardous production for a long time.

Tumor growth is characterized by:


Emphysema

This type of damage to the lung tissue can occur as a result of a violation of the structure of the alveolar apparatus. Pathology affects all parts of the lungs.

Destroyed alveoli expand, acquire increased airiness, followed by destruction of the cell walls. Gradually, they accumulate exudate, which interferes with the breathing process and is characterized by the development of wheezing.

The patient may experience:

  • difficulty breathing
  • feeling short of breath
  • as well as the accession of secondary diseases.

The process is predominantly acquired. More rarely, this is a congenital condition caused by a violation of the synthesis of a specific protein.

Causes of wheezing in children

The development of wheezing when breathing in children can occur as a result of various conditions:

Types of wheezing in the lungs

There are various types of wheezing, which can vary in their characteristics. Listening is carried out during auscultation at the stage of physical examination. An accurate definition of the type helps to make a diagnosis and choose a method of therapy.

Wheezing without fever

The development of wheezing in the absence of pronounced signs of the inflammatory process is associated with the presence of diseases based on an autoimmune, allergic or destructive process.

These pathologies include:

  • Emphysema of the lungs. The alveoli in this case are destroyed and filled with exudate.
  • bronchiectasis. In the alveoli, there is an accumulation of exudate of a purulent nature.
  • bronchial asthma, based on a hypersensitivity reaction.
  • Pulmonary edema formed as a result of a violation of the cardiovascular system.

Dry wheezing

The development of dry wheezing during breathing is based on a process that is not accompanied by the accumulation of exudate in the lung tissue.

Causes that can cause this condition include:

  • Inflammation of the lung tissue in the early stages of the pathological process.
  • Bronchial asthma in the first minutes of the development of a paroxysmal condition.
  • Inflammation of the bronchial tissue in the initial stages.
  • emphysema.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Wet rales

The appearance of wet rales during breathing is an unfavorable variant of the course of the disease.

In this case, there is an accumulation of exudate in the lung tissue, which at the time of auscultation is expressed by gurgling. Strengthening of this state can be associated with the moment of inhalation or exhalation.

Among the pathologies accompanied by the appearance of wet rales, there are:

  • Severe bronchitis.
  • bronchiectasis.
  • Tuberculous defeat.
  • Acute respiratory diseases.
  • Pneumonia in the stage of the height of the current.

wheezing

This type of pathological breathing is characterized by a lengthening of the expiratory period with an increase in dry lung sound. In this case, the process is caused by a narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi.

The causes underlying wheezing are:

  • Bronchial asthma.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Pneumonia.
  • COPD

By localization

Depending on the level of localization of the pathological process, wheezing during breathing is divided into:

  • True or formed in the tissues of the lung, as well as the bronchial tree.
  • False, caused by the development of a pathological process in the upper respiratory system.

Depending on the sound

At the time of diagnosing wheezing during breathing, great importance is given to the type of sound. Determination of the exact characteristics of sound is necessary for differential diagnosis and clarification of localization with the volume of tissue damage.

Among them are:

  • Fine bubble sounds with soft, barely audible characteristics.
  • Medium bubbling. Wheezes in this case can be finely bubbling and large bubbling with a combination of various localizations.
  • Large bubble. Wheezing is clearly audible, reminiscent of the bursting of large bubbles.

Diagnostics

Doctors of a therapeutic profile clarify the cause of the development of wheezing during breathing, preference should be given to a pulmonologist.

With a specific lesion of the lung tissue caused by tuberculosis, it is necessary to diagnose the phthisiatrician.

Confirmation of the diagnosis is based on the clarification of the patient's complaints, as well as possible factors that complicate the course of the process.

Also, the specialist needs to clarify information about the dynamics of the process, the presence of concomitant pathologies, as well as the effect of the treatment.

From the data of the anamnesis, the living conditions of the patient, the nature of the working conditions, as well as the presence of contact with patients suffering from infectious diseases of the lung tissue are of great importance.

Percussion of lung tissue- a physical way to assess the pulmonary system. The doctor determines the nature of the sound that he hears while tapping the lung tissue. The most important changes are the weakening and dulling of the sound signal, which is a reflection of the compaction of the organ.

Auscultation- it requires a special tool to perform it - stethoscope. The device allows you to hear changes in the patency of air masses and the formation of wheezing.

As additional diagnostic methods, a large number of studies are distinguished that allow assessing the state of the respiratory system at various levels.

Among them are:

  • laryngoscopy. The technique is evaluated on examination of the glottis and larynx. It is important to exclude inflammation or a tumor process, as well as structural anomalies. The advantage of this technique is the immediate results.
  • Bronchoscopy. This type of research is classified as endoscopic and invasive. The procedure is carried out under anesthesia. With the help of special equipment that allows you to enlarge the image, the doctor examines the condition of the bronchi and lung tissue. If necessary, it is possible to obtain histological material for further research.
  • Radiography. This technique is one of the most common. It is the basis for the diagnosis of pulmonary pathology. Modern devices allow you to get an accurate image that clearly reflects the pathological process.
  • Fluorography. A screening technique that assesses the condition of the lung tissue with minimal radiation exposure to the body. This method is most necessary for the early detection of tuberculosis pathology.
  • Magnetic resonance or computed tomography. These types of studies are classified as non-invasive highly sensitive methods. When they are performed, it is possible to see the initial processes of the disease, including the development of tumors.

Treatment in adults and children

Therapy for wheezing during breathing depends on the disease that led to their development. It is necessary to start treatment at the initial stages, since the risk of a quick recovery is higher.

In addition, the frequency of complications resulting from running processes is reduced. The choice of medicines is carried out only by a specialist of the appropriate profile after the diagnosis and diagnosis.

Among the main groups of drugs used to treat wheezing, there are:


Alternative methods of treatment of wheezing in the lungs

The use of alternative methods of therapy is shown in conjunction with drugs. Using them as monotherapy can be dangerous due to their lower therapeutic effect. The combination with medication leads to a faster recovery.

The selection of the most effective method is carried out by a specialist after assessing the general state of health.

Folk remedies include:

  • A mixture of lemon, ginger and honey.
  • A solution of radish juice with honey.
  • Hot milk with butter.
  • A decoction of chamomile, calendula or coltsfoot.

Complications

Depending on the cause that underlies the pathological cause, various complications of wheezing during breathing are distinguished.

Among the main consequences are:

  • Severe insufficiency of the respiratory system.
  • The manifestation of hypoxia in tissues with impaired functioning of various organs and systems.
  • The transition of the inflammatory or tumor process to other tissues.

In severe conditions, a lethal outcome is possible due to massive damage to the lungs and the lack of effect from the therapy.

Prevention

Implementation of preventive measures can be primary or secondary. They are aimed not only at preventing the development of wheezing during breathing, but also at reducing the frequency of repeated exacerbations of the chronic process.

These preventive measures include:


With the development of wheezing against the background of breathing, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis with a diagnosis. With properly selected therapy, improvement in well-being occurs within a short period. Delayed seeking medical help leads to progressive worsening of the condition and possible onset of death.

Wheezing is an unpleasant pathological sound that appears due to the active passage of inhaled and exhaled air through the airways narrowed as a result of the disease. Wheezing is the result of inflammatory processes occurring in the bronchi or trachea. Chest wheezing is usually accompanied by a cough, in this way the body tries to expand the airways and compensate for the lack of oxygen.

Causes of a cough accompanied by wheezing in the lungs when breathing and pain in the sternum

Wheezing in the lungs occurs more often with pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, acute or chronic bronchitis, not accompanied by a rise in temperature. Such atypical forms of pneumonia are very dangerous for the life of the patient.

Pathological noises are also heard in diseases of extrapulmonary origin. These include:

  • myocardial infarction;
  • cardiac pathologies ();
  • pulmonary edema as a result of a severe course of somatic diseases.

Wheezing in different parts of the lung is heard in tuberculosis, abscess, pneumofibrosis and malignant neoplasms. Under these conditions, the temperature occurs periodically and rises to 37º or slightly higher.

At the heart of the formations of pathological wheezing are two processes:

  1. A change in the normal state of the walls of the bronchi, which leads to a narrowing of their lumen.
  2. The presence in the vessels of the respiratory system of mucous or purulent masses with varying degrees of their viscosity. The wet secret under the influence of air begins to fluctuate, hence different sounds arise in all parts of the lungs and in the bronchi.

When listening to the respiratory system, the doctor pays attention to how sounds are formed (on inhalation or exhalation) and how they sound. The way moist rales in the lungs are also important. They can be large, medium and small.

With some pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system, wheezing is heard only on exhalation, with others - on inspiration, there are also mixed wheezing sounds. Expiration sounds (aspiratory sounds) are more common in bronchial asthma. Wheezing on inspiration is called inspiratory, they can be clearly heard in acute bronchitis.

In the lower parts of the lungs, the appearance of wheezing occurs due to congestion. The walls of the alveoli become inflamed, swell and secrete exudate that disrupts the process of normal breathing. If the treatment is carried out according to the correct scheme, then the inflammatory process goes out, as a result, a mucopurulent secret gradually comes out and breathing normalizes.

Prolonged wheezing in the lower sections can be detected in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This pathology is often recorded in heavy smokers, as well as in those people who are not fully cured.

How to treat this unpleasant symptoms - therapy for adults and children

Z If the patient has any wheezing, the first thing to do is to undergo an examination. The doctor begins to find out the causes of the pathological phenomenon by listening to the bronchopulmonary system. Based on the results obtained or after additional diagnostics, treatment is prescribed. Most often, to identify the cause, the patient is given an x-ray of the bronchi and lungs, which makes it possible to establish bronchitis or pneumonia with high accuracy. Additionally, blood tests, sputum sampling to determine the pathogens are prescribed. The best medicines for bronchitis are presented at.

With an unclear diagnosis and suspicion of a tumor in the organ cavity, CT is used today, that is, layered computed tomography of the lungs.

It is absolutely impossible to treat wheezing in the lungs on your own. Taking medication can drown out the inflammatory process, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely defeat the disease. And this almost always leads to the transition of an acute disease to a chronic one, which will require long-term therapy.

Medical therapy if there is a temperature

Since wheezing in the lungs most often occurs against the background of inflammation of the organ, treatment usually begins with antibiotics. For pneumonia, in most cases, apply:

  • Kanamycin.
  • Ceftriaxone. Both drugs are preferably administered by injection, as this form of medication is absorbed by the body more efficiently.
  • (one of the most effective drugs in this case).

Antibacterial agents are also prescribed if the inflammation occurs without fever. In addition to this group of drugs, drugs are used that thin the viscous and dense purulent sputum. These may include the following drugs:

  • Cysteine;
  • Mukobene;
  • Mukomist.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Many people during their lives are faced with such a phenomenon as wheezing. Wheezing can occur sporadically, that is, for a short period of time, and also exist for a long time, accompanying various pathological processes in the human body. The main method for detecting wheezing is to listen to the chest organs with the help of a medical instrument - a phonendoscope. Some variants of wheezing sounds can be heard with the naked ear.

Definition of wheezing

To date, the concept of wheezing combines any form non-physiological noises , that is, additional sounds that occur during breathing, friction of the pleura against the ribs, etc. The wheezing sound of breathing is caused by obstructions in the path of air flow through the respiratory tract. Such an obstacle may be in the nature of a narrowing of the lumen or the appearance of pathological components in it (mucus, foreign body, etc.). Wheezing is a very heterogeneous group of breath sounds that differ in tone, duration, prevalence during inhalation or exhalation, number of tones, etc. Moreover, each specific variant of wheezing corresponds to a certain pathology, the features of the course of which form the uniqueness of the emerging respiratory noises.

Characteristics of wheezing

So, wheezing can be wet, dry, whistling, crepitating, etc. Dry rales develop in the presence of a narrowing obstacle to the passage of the air stream, and wet - in the presence of fluid in the airways. The tone of wheezing depends on the diameter of the affected airways and the viscosity of the fluid that is in them. So, the smaller the diameter of the affected bronchus, the higher the wheezing will be heard, and the larger the diameter, the lower and “bassier” the hoarse noise becomes.

Also, wheezing can occur on inhalation or exhalation. A wheeze heard on inspiration is called inspiratory, on exhalation - respectively expiratory.

Since wheezing passes through various tissues from the place of its formation in the lungs, the sonority of this auscultated sound depends on the individual characteristics of the surrounding tissues. If the tissue is dense (for example, in the presence of inflammation in the lungs or around the bronchi), then the wheezing sound becomes sonorous, but if the tissue is airy, loose (for example, in the normal state of the lungs), then the formed wheezing is heard as less sonorous, somewhat muffled.

Moist rales fall into three categories:

  • fine bubbles;
  • medium bubble;
  • large-bubbly;
At the same time, small bubbling rales develop in the presence of fluid in the smallest bronchi, medium bubbling - with the accumulation of fluid in the bronchi of medium diameter, and coarse bubbling - in large bronchi. To hear the difference between the above types of wet rales, try exhaling into a glass of water through straws of different diameters. You can, in a somewhat simplified and approximate version, independently hear the difference between fine bubbling, medium bubbling and large bubbling rales.

Pulmonary and extrapulmonary rales

Depending on the origin, all wheezing is divided into two broad categories:
  • pulmonary;
  • extrapulmonary.
Pulmonary rales occur with the development of a pathological process in the bronchopulmonary system, and extrapulmonary rales develop as a concomitant symptom various diseases localized outside the respiratory system (for example, heart failure).

Pathologies accompanied by the presence of wheezing

The list of diseases that are accompanied by the development of wheezing is very wide and includes pathologies of various organs and systems.

Consider the main pathological processes accompanied by various types of wheezing:

  • bronchial asthma ;
  • heart failure;
  • sarcoidosis;
  • hypertonic disease ;
  • pulmonary edema;
  • malignant tumors of various localization;
  • bronchiectasis;
  • pneumonia ;
  • acute renal failure;
  • heart defects (congenital and acquired);
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
  • acute GVHD (graft-versus-host disease);
  • legionnaires' disease;
  • acute respiratory viral infections;
  • flu, parainfluenza;
  • endemic flea typhus;
  • pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • pulmonary embolism (PE).
As can be seen from the list above, the symptom of wheezing is not specific, that is, it cannot serve as a full-fledged diagnostic criterion for a specific disease. Due to this circumstance, for a correct and accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to take into account other existing symptoms, their combination, as well as data from objective examination methods (listening, percussion, ultrasound diagnostics, laboratory tests, etc.).

The concept of auscultation - a method of listening to wheezing

Listening to wheezing, determining their nature and exact signs is performed using a special medical manipulation called auscultation. Auscultation is performed using a phonendoscope, stethoscope or stethophonendoscope. Auscultation is performed in various positions of the patient - standing, sitting or lying down, while carefully listening to all segments of the chest on the right and left in turn. During auscultation, various breathing modes are used to determine the exact localization of wheezing and their origin, as well as listening to noises before and after coughing, against the background of pronouncing certain sounds or after taking medications.
For further diagnosis, take into account:
1. wheezing caliber (small bubbling, large bubbling);
2. wheezing tone (high, low);
3. timbre of wheezing (polyphonic, monophonic);
4. sonority (voiced, muffled);
5. prevalence (over which parts of the chest are localized);
6. homogeneity (homogeneous or heterogeneous);
7. the number of wheezing (single, multiple);
8. influence on the characteristics of wheezing changes in body position, coughing or depth of respiratory movements;
9. expiratory or inspiratory character.

Wet rales - causes of development, general characteristics

Let us consider in more detail first of all moist rales. Wheezing acquires a similar wet characteristic under the influence of the accumulation of various fluids in the airways - inflammatory exudate, non-inflammatory transudate effusion, blood, mucus or sputum. Most often, such wheezing is inspiratory, but it can also be expiratory-inspiratory.

Small bubbling moist rales accompany the pathological process in the alveoli of the lung, small bronchioles and bronchi. If a person is in a lying position, then finely bubbling moist rales may not be heard, so auscultation should be performed in a standing or sitting position to identify them.

Medium bubbling wet rales develop with the localization of pathological contents in the bronchi of medium caliber, and often have a crackling sound, similar to the sound of torn tissue.

Large bubbling rales characterize the pathological process localized in the large bronchi. At the same time, the sound is gurgling, bubbling, pronounced expiratory, very often heard even at some distance from the patient.

Diseases that occur with the presence of wet rales

Diseases that may be accompanied by the development of wet rales:
  • Williams-Campbell syndrome;
  • primary ciliary dyskinesia;
  • bronchial asthma (after an attack);
  • bronchitis (recurrent or chronic obstructive);
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
  • tuberculosis;
  • pulmonary edema;
  • pulmonary embolism (TELA);
  • bronchiectasis;
  • pneumonia (at the stage of development of the disease);
  • lung atelectasis.
Bronchitis, bronchiolitis and bronchial asthma are characterized by the presence of both wet and dry rales. The predominance of one or the other is determined by the presence of pathological fluid in the bronchi, that is, if there is an accumulation of blood or exudate, the rales are wet, and if there is no content in the bronchi, the rales will be dry.

The combination of moist rales with other syndromes and symptoms

As is clear from the above list, wet rales accompany various diseases of the respiratory system. Associated symptoms may be different, and depend on the cause of the pathology.
It is appropriate to single out several accompanying wheezing syndromes:
  • hypoxic syndrome;
  • violation of the function of external respiration;
  • asthenic syndrome;
  • cough;
  • hematological syndrome;
  • radiological syndrome.
Hypoxic syndrome combines various signs of oxygen starvation of body tissues - this is shortness of breath, pallor, frequent breathing, shallow depth of respiratory movements, disruption of the activity of all organs and systems, the formation of fingers in the form of "drumsticks", blood clotting.

Asthenic syndrome includes weakness, lack of concentration, apathy, drowsiness, lethargy, bad mood.

The function of external respiration It is estimated by a number of parameters: the volume of inhaled air, the volume of exhaled air, the vital capacity of the lungs, the volume of forced inhalation, the volume of forced expiration, and others.

Hematological syndrome includes various blood disorders, for example, an increase in ESR, the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and leukocytes, a decrease in the saturation of an erythrocyte with oxygen, and others.

X-ray syndrome characterized by the development of a certain picture visible on the x-ray.

Wheezing, accompanying symptoms and changes in the x-ray picture in various pathologies

Consider the combination of wheezing symptom with other signs and pathological changes that occur in diseases of the respiratory system.
Respiratory disease
systems
Associated symptoms Changes in
radiological
picture
Williams-Campbell SyndromeChest distension, shortness of breath, wheezing
breathing, coughing up sputum,
finger thickening by type
"drum sticks"
A large number of
bronchiectasis
primary ciliary
dyskinesia
Chronic inflammation of the bronchi and lungs,
purulent sputum, thickening
fingers like "drum sticks"
Foci of compaction in the lungs,
bronchiectasis
cystic fibrosisDry, hacking cough from the first days of life,
respiratory failure, chronic
inflammation of the bronchi and lungs, delay
development, thickening of the fingers by type
"drum sticks"
Atelectasis, bronchiectasis,
lung sclerosis
Bronchial asthmaAllergies, coughing fits and choking at night
and in the morning, breathing with a whistling sound,
respiratory failure
Emphysematous chest
cell (barrel-shaped
forms)
Chronic bronchitis
process, shortness of breath, difficult cough,
sputum production, wheezing
Reinforced vascular
drawing, plethora of blood vessels
PneumoniaThe presence of an infectious
process, shortness of breath, cyanosis
(blue lips, pale skin),
difficulty breathing, unproductive
cough at the onset of the disease, after
addition of sputum
characteristic picture
pneumonia
Pulmonary edemaChoking attack, gray or pale color
skin, fright on the face, bubbling wheezing,
incessant bout of suffocation
cough, light, frothy sputum in large
quantity, sharp increase or decrease
heart rate
Large shaded spots
decrease in normal
lung transparency
TuberculosisPersistent cough, hemoptysis, sputum,
prolonged fever, sweating, especially
at night, fatigue, weight loss,
thickening of the fingers of the "drum type"
sticks"
Bands, meshwork of the lung
pattern, focal shadows,
cavities (caverns)

It should always be borne in mind that if the disease of the respiratory system has an infectious and inflammatory nature, then all the signs and symptoms of the underlying disease will be present. Infections are caused by various pathogenic microorganisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi, which form the picture of the inflammatory process.

It is important to know that wheezing can change its character - that is, wet ones can become dry, or vice versa. Also, wheezing over the course of the pathological process can change any of its characteristics. Any changes in the nature of wheezing should be recorded and taken into account, since they indicate the features of the course or stage of the pathological process, and can serve as a signal of a worsening situation or, on the contrary, an improvement.

Causes of formation and general characteristics of dry rales

Dry rales are formed during turbulent eddies of the air stream while passing through pathologically altered airways. As a result, respiratory noises of various lengths and timbres are formed. The formation of dry wheezing is always due to the narrowing of the lumen of the bronchus, which is possible due to edema (acute or chronic), the ingress of a foreign body, a fragment of adhering sputum, compression of the bronchus by a tumor formation from the outside, growths of the mucosa and outgrowths into the lumen of a tumor nature. That is why dry rales are predominantly expiratory.

Depending on the caliber of the bronchus, in which there is a pathological process, dry rales are divided into buzzing, buzzing and whistling. At the same time, the whistling timbre of wheezing develops with damage to the small bronchi and bronchioles, and buzzing and buzzing - with a disease of medium and large bronchi. Thus, the type of timbre of dry wheezing will make it possible to determine with a high degree of probability in which parts of the bronchial tree the pathological process is localized. Also, the above tones have different shades (overtones), to distinguish which one should alternate auscultation with a stethoscope and a phonendoscope. Sometimes dry rales can be heard at some distance from the patient.

Differences between dry rales and heart murmurs

To distinguish some variants of dry rales from heart murmurs, it is necessary to conduct auscultation with a change in breathing patterns, and also take into account that heart murmurs are associated with the contraction phase of the heart muscle.

Pathologies in which dry rales are detected

The list of pathologies in which dry wheezing is possible is quite extensive, and includes diseases not only of the respiratory system.
So, dry wheezing is accompanied by the following diseases:
  • Chronical bronchitis;
  • chronic bronchiolitis;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • pneumonia;
  • bronchial tumors;
  • emphysema;
  • heart failure;
  • foreign body in the lumen of the bronchus.

Physiological dry rales

Also, dry wheezing can form as a compensatory reaction to too dry air. Many elderly people with shallow breathing also have sporadic dry rales that disappear completely after a few vigorous breaths or forced coughing. In this situation, dry rales are not pathological, but are of a compensatory-adaptive nature.

Characteristics of dry rales in various pathologies

Bronchitis, bronchiolitis and bronchial asthma are characterized by various widespread dry rales of a wheezing nature, which are subject to changes in different periods of time and phases of the disease. In addition, an attack of bronchial asthma is accompanied by wheezing with musical tones, which is expressed in the "playing accordion" syndrome. Tracheobronchitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis are characterized by a predominance of buzzing and buzzing wheezing. The immutability and constancy of dry wheezing suggests the presence of fibrosis or sclerosis of the lung, or a tumor formation that constantly compresses the bronchus.

With the development of heart failure, dry rales over the lungs are heard, the transition of which to wet ones indicates the development of pulmonary edema.

Dry wheezing and other symptoms in various pathologies

The combination of dry wheezing with other symptoms in various pathologies is shown in the table.

Thus, from the foregoing, we can conclude that wheezing is a complex symptom that occurs in various pathologies. The correct interpretation of all the characteristics of wheezing can help in early non-specific diagnosis, clarification of the localization of the pathological process, as well as in tracking the dynamics of the course of the disease. If wheezing occurs, you should undergo a comprehensive examination in order to receive a course of necessary therapy in time.

Which doctor should I contact for wheezing?

Wheezing can appear in diseases of various organs and systems, therefore, against the background of their presence, it is necessary to contact doctors of various specialties, whose competence includes the diagnosis and treatment of the pathology that provoked them. In addition, wheezing can be a symptom of an emergency, in which it is necessary to immediately go to the hospital to receive qualified medical care to save a life. Below, we will consider in which cases with wheezing you need to urgently seek medical help, and when you should go to the doctor as planned (and which specialist you need to contact).

So, it is urgent to call an ambulance and be hospitalized in the hospital with the following clinical pictures, including wheezing:

  • When a person suddenly develops choking or paroxysmal choking cough, combined with wheezing or bubbling breath, with the release of foam from the mouth when breathing (often pink with an admixture of blood), with blue lips, nails and skin, cold sweat, increased pressure, puffiness of the face, palpitations, swelling of the veins in the neck (pulmonary edema is suspected).
  • When a person develops shortness of breath with wheezing, combined with an almost complete absence of urination, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, drowsiness (acute renal failure is suspected).
  • When a person develops wheezing, skin rashes, and digestive disorders after a blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant, or other transplant manipulation (an acute graft-versus-host reaction is suspected).
  • When shortness of breath suddenly appears with rapid breathing and wheezing, which are combined with a pale gray or bluish color of the skin, a sharp drop in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, bulging and pulsation of the veins in the neck, dizziness, tinnitus, vomiting, fainting, a slight increase in temperature body, belching, hiccups, pain under the right rib, possibly chest pain and arrhythmia (pulmonary embolism is suspected).
  • When a dry cough occurs in combination with shortness of breath, chest pain, aggravated by coughing and breathing, high body temperature, headache, nausea, weakness, lag of one half of the chest during inhalation and exhalation (the formation of an abscess in the lungs is suspected). You should also immediately call an ambulance if, against the background of the described symptoms, a large amount of sputum suddenly begins to cough up (an abscess opening in the lung is suspected).
  • When severe pain suddenly occurs in one half of the chest, combined with a dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, blue skin, a sharp drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate (pulmonary atelectasis is suspected).
  • When a person breathes wheezing, combined with shortness of breath, pain in one half of the chest, possibly paroxysmal cough (a foreign body in the bronchus is suspected).
  • When a person's body temperature rises to 39 - 40 o C, there is difficulty in breathing with wheezing or gurgling, shortness of breath, sore throat, nasal voice, cervical and occipital lymph nodes increase, the neck swells around the corner of the lower jaw (a retropharyngeal abscess is suspected).
Above, we indicated situations where wheezing, together with other symptoms, indicates a serious condition in which immediate medical attention is required to save a life. Below we will indicate the conditions in which a person has wheezing, indicating the need to consult a doctor in a polyclinic, and indicate which doctor should be consulted in a particular case.

So, if a person has a sudden increase in body temperature, pain and sore throat, runny nose, cough, aching muscles and joints, headache, weakness, then ARVI, influenza or parainfluenza is suspected, and in this case it is necessary to contact general practitioner (make an appointment) or pediatrician (make an appointment) when it comes to a child.

Wheezing is a symptom of many diseases of the respiratory system, in the presence of which it is necessary to contact pulmonologist (make an appointment) or a therapist. Below we provide a list of symptom complexes, including wheezing, in which it is necessary to contact a pulmonologist or therapist, since we are talking about diseases of the respiratory system:

  • If a person periodically has attacks of suffocation, during which he feels tightness in the chest, which does not allow him to breathe freely, when loud whistling wheezes are heard during breathing, there is a cough with viscous poorly discharged sputum (bronchial asthma is suspected).
  • If a person has wet rales, combined with a constant cough with the discharge of unpleasantly smelling purulent sputum, periodic hemoptysis, shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin, general weakness, thickening of the nails like "watch glasses" and fingertips like "drumsticks", deformity of the chest (suspected bronchiectasis).
  • If a person's body temperature rises, there is shortness of breath, wheezing, frequent shallow breathing, weakness, cough, first dry, and then with the discharge of "rusty" sputum (pneumonia is suspected).
  • If a person, against the background of subfebrile body temperature (up to 37.5 o C), develops a cough with mucopurulent sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath, sweating, weakness, swelling of the cervical veins on exhalation (bronchitis is suspected).
  • If a person suffers from a persistent cough with sputum production and shortness of breath, combined with wheezing, a bluish or gray-pink skin tone, a barrel-shaped chest (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is suspected).
  • If there is a dry obsessive cough, weakness, fever, whistling or moist rales audible at a distance, shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin, and after a long course of the disease, panting breathing (bronchiolit is suspected).
  • If a person develops shortness of breath, a dry cough that turns into a wet cough with sputum, wheezing, thickening of the fingertips like "drumsticks", a cyanotic skin tone, aching pain in the chest, weakness, deformity of the chest (pneumosclerosis is suspected).
  • If it is difficult for a person to exhale, for which he closes his lips and puffs out his cheeks (puffs), wheezing is heard during breathing, there is a cough with the release of a small amount of mucous sputum, the face is puffy, the veins of the neck bulge, the skin is bluish in color, the chest is barrel-shaped (emphysema is suspected lungs).
  • If a person develops cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, skin rash, inflammation of the lymph nodes and salivary glands, malaise, weakness, lack of appetite, night sweats, sleep disturbances, possibly joint pain (sarcoidosis is suspected).
  • If a child has dry or wet wheezing when breathing, periodically there are bouts of uncontrollable, suffocating cough (as with whooping cough), shortness of breath, deformity of the fingers and chest, prolonged frequent bronchitis and laryngitis, digestive disorders (mucoviscidosis is suspected).
Below we will indicate in which cases, with wheezing, a disease of the ears, throat or nose is suspected and, accordingly, it is necessary to contact otolaryngologist (ENT) (make an appointment):
  • When the voice becomes hoarse, discomfort and a feeling of a foreign object are felt in the throat, shortness of breath and wheezing appear, a round or oval painless protrusion forms on the neck (a laryngocele is suspected);
  • When there is pain in the throat, perspiration and "lump", and the pain intensifies when swallowing, they are combined with a dry cough, accumulation of sputum in the throat and the need for constant coughing (pharyngitis is suspected);
  • When the throat feels dry, scratching, combined with hoarseness or lack of voice (you can only speak in a whisper), barking cough and wheezing (laryngitis is suspected);
  • If a person suffers from shortness of breath on inspiration for a long time (it is difficult to inhale), whistling rales are heard during breathing, his voice is hoarse and there are symptoms of hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the brain, such as: poor memory, absent-mindedness, sleep disturbances, headaches, an attack of nausea (stenosis of the larynx is suspected).
If during breathing a person hears wheezing, which is combined with periodic pain in the heart, shortness of breath during exercise, cyanosis or pallor of the skin, sensations of interruptions in the work of the heart or palpitations, dry cough, swelling in the legs, then you should contact cardiologist (make an appointment), since a similar symptom complex indicates a cardiovascular disease (heart failure, heart disease).

When a person has non-specific signs of infection, such as fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, sweating, which are combined with shortness of breath, wheezing and cough, then you should contact infectious disease doctor (make an appointment), since we are talking about a clearly infectious pathology (legionnaires' disease, endemic flea typhus), occurring with damage to the bronchopulmonary system.

If a person does not have a cough (with or without sputum) for more than 3 weeks, which is combined with sweating at night, subfebrile body temperature (up to 37.5 o C), weakness, weight loss, then you should contact phthisiatrician (make an appointment) because tuberculosis is suspected.

If for a long time a person has an irritating cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, sometimes hemoptysis, chest pain, as well as symptoms of a general deterioration in well-being (weakness, lethargy, poor performance, irritability, weight loss, headaches, etc.), then you should contact oncologist (make an appointment), as a bronchial tumor or lung cancer is suspected.

What tests and examinations can a doctor prescribe for wheezing?

Wheezing is provoked by various diseases, and therefore, in the presence of this symptom, the doctor prescribes various tests and examinations, the list of which depends on what kind of pathology is suspected. Below we will indicate which examinations a doctor can prescribe for wheezing if a particular disease is suspected.

When a person’s body temperature suddenly rises, pain and sore throat, runny nose, cough, muscle aches, headache and weakness appear, the doctor diagnoses SARS, flu or parainfluenza, and in this case usually prescribes only complete blood count (make an appointment) and urine to assess the state of the body. Sometimes during a flu season, your doctor may order a blood test to look for the type of flu virus.

When, during periodic attacks of suffocation, during which it is difficult to breathe, loud wheezing, coughing and viscous poorly discharged sputum appear, the doctor suspects bronchial asthma and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

  • General blood analysis;
  • General sputum analysis (make an appointment);
  • Biochemical blood test (sign up);
  • Allergological tests (sign up) sensitivity to various allergens;
  • Immune status (the number of immunoglobulins, the number of T and B-lymphocytes, etc.);
  • Peakflowmetry (sign up);
  • Spirometry (sign up);
  • X-ray of the lungs (make an appointment);
  • Electrocardiography (sign up);
  • Bronchoscopy (make an appointment).
To diagnose and assess the severity of the disease, the doctor must prescribe a general blood test, a general sputum test, peak flowmetry and spirometry. All other examination methods listed above are additional, and are assigned only if necessary. For example, with prolonged or severe bronchial asthma, an x-ray of the lungs and bronchoscopy are prescribed to assess the degree of pathological changes in the organs. Allergy tests for sensitivity to allergens are prescribed in order to understand which substances can provoke asthma attacks in a person. Electrocardiography is prescribed for suspected heart disease. An analysis of the gas composition of the blood, a biochemical blood test and the immune status are prescribed as auxiliary methods of examination, allowing to complete the picture of the pathological changes occurring in the body.

When moist rales are heard during breathing, combined with a constantly present cough with discharge of purulent sputum with an unpleasant odor, episodic hemoptysis, shortness of breath, pallor or cyanosis of the skin, deformity of the chest, thickening of the nails like "watch glasses" and fingertips like "drum sticks" - the doctor suspects bronchiectasis and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

  • General blood analysis;
  • Auscultation (listening with a stethophonendoscope) of the chest;
  • Chest x-ray (book now);
  • Bronchoscopy;
  • Bacteriological culture (make an appointment) purulent secretion from the bronchi;
  • Bronchography (X-ray of the bronchi with contrast) (make an appointment);
  • Spirometry;
  • Peakflowmetry.
First of all, the doctor prescribes a complete blood count, auscultation and chest x-ray, since these examinations make it possible to verify the suspicion of bronchiectasis. Next, a bronchoscopy is prescribed to study the condition of the bronchial mucosa, take a purulent secret for bacteriological culture, remove adhering pieces of pus and mucus in order to prepare for bronchography. Then a bronchography is performed, which is x-ray (book) with a contrast agent, which is the main method for diagnosing bronchiectasis. When a diagnosis of bronchiectasis is made based on the results of bronchography, the doctor prescribes spirometry and peak flow to assess the degree of respiratory dysfunction.

When, against the background of high body temperature, wheezing, shortness of breath, weakness, cough (first dry, then with the release of "rusty sputum") appear, breathing becomes frequent and superficial - the doctor suspects pneumonia, and for its diagnosis, auscultation (listening to wheezing with a stethophonendoscope) and prescribes complete blood count and x-ray. It is the x-ray data that can confirm pneumonia. Additionally, a bacteriological culture of sputum is prescribed to identify the microbe that has become the causative agent of the infection.

When a person periodically has exacerbations with an increase in body temperature up to 37.5 o C, a cough with mucopurulent sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath, severe sweating, weakness, bulging neck veins on exhalation, the doctor suspects bronchitis, and first performs auscultation ( listening to wheezing with a stethophonendoscope) and prescribes a chest x-ray. It is these two studies that are the main ones for the diagnosis of bronchitis. Next, microscopy and bacteriological culture of sputum are prescribed in order to identify the microbe-causative agent of the inflammatory process. If sputum is poorly excreted, then bronchoalveolar lavage is performed to collect it. To assess the function of external respiration, spirometry and pneumotachography are prescribed. If bronchitis proceeds for a long time, then bronchoscopy is prescribed to clarify the activity of the pathological process and identify the nature of inflammation, and bronchography is prescribed to detect bronchiectasis.

When there is a constant cough with sputum production, shortness of breath, wheezing, the skin is bluish or gray-pink in color, the chest is barrel-shaped - the doctor suspects chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and for its diagnosis prescribes spirometry (the main method for diagnosing COPD), lung x-ray, complete blood count and blood gas analysis. Additionally, to assess the severity and nature of inflammation, a cytological examination of sputum and bronchoscopy may be prescribed.

When a dry obsessive cough is combined with weakness, whistling or wet rales, well audible even at a distance, with shortness of breath, body temperature, and after a long course of the disease and with cyanosis of the skin and puffing breath, the doctor suspects bronchiolitis and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

  • Blood gas analysis;
  • chest x-ray;
  • Chest tomography;
  • Spirometry;
  • Determination of nitric oxide in exhaled air;
  • electrocardiography;
  • Echocardiography (make an appointment);
  • Cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage;
  • Histological examination lung tissue biopsy (make an appointment).
Due to the difficulty of diagnosing bronchiolitis, if it is suspected, the doctor prescribes all of the above tests and examinations (unless, of course, the institution has the technical ability to perform them).

When a person is worried about shortness of breath, combined first with a dry and then a wet cough, wheezing, thickening of the fingertips like "drumsticks", a bluish tint of the skin, aching chest pains, weakness, a change in the shape of the chest, the doctor suspects pneumosclerosis, and for its diagnosis appoints an x-ray. If there is a technical possibility, then in order to obtain a more detailed idea of ​​the state of tissues in pneumosclerosis, tomography and bronchography are also prescribed. To assess external respiration, the doctor must prescribe spirometry and peak flowmetry.

When a person exhales through closed lips while puffing out his cheeks (puffs), suffers from a cough with a small amount of mucous sputum, has shortness of breath, wheezing, a puffy face, bulging neck veins, a barrel-shaped chest and a bluish tint to the skin - the doctor suspects emphysema, and for its diagnosis, it performs auscultation (listening to wheezing and breathing with a stethophonendoscope), prescribes an x-ray, a complete blood count, a blood test for the concentration of alpha1-antitrypsin, spirometry, peak flowmetry and blood gas analysis. Additionally, for more detailed information, it can be assigned computed tomography of the lungs (make an appointment).

When there is cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, rashes on the skin, malaise, weakness, lack of appetite, sweating at night, sleep disturbances, lymph nodes and salivary glands become inflamed, joint pain may appear - the doctor suspects sarcoidosis and prescribes the following analyzes and examinations:

  • General blood analysis;
  • Biochemical analysis of blood (total protein, protein fractions, bilirubin (sign up), cholesterol, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, amylase, alkaline phosphatase);
  • Kveim's reaction;
  • X-rays of light;
  • Tomography (computer or magnetic resonance (sign up)) lungs;
  • Bronchoscopy with biopsy (make an appointment).
Blood tests, Kveim reaction and x-rays are mandatory, as these studies allow the detection of sarcoidosis in most cases. If possible, bronchoscopy with biopsy is additionally performed, and the result of a histological examination of the biopsy material is considered the most accurate method for diagnosing sarcoidosis. If technically possible, X-rays are supplemented by tomography.

When wheezing is heard during breathing in a child, combined with bouts of suffocating cough, shortness of breath, prolonged and frequent bronchitis and laryngitis, deformity of the fingers and chest, and digestive disorders, the doctor suspects cystic fibrosis, and for its diagnosis prescribes the following studies:

  • General blood analysis;
  • General urine analysis ;
  • Microbiological examination of sputum;
  • Scatological analysis of feces;
  • Bronchoscopy;
  • Bronchography;
  • X-rays of light;
  • Spirometry;
  • sweat test;
  • Testing blood, saliva, or other biological material for the presence of cystic fibrosis genes.
The most informative test for detecting cystic fibrosis is a sweat test and analysis of biological material for the disease gene. The remaining studies are prescribed to assess the condition of the organs of the respiratory and digestive systems (X-ray, bronchoscopy, bronchography, blood and urine tests, scatological analysis of feces, sputum examination), as well as to identify violations of the function of external respiration (spirometry).

If a person’s voice becomes hoarse, shortness of breath, wheezing, a feeling of discomfort and a foreign object in the throat appear, and a protrusion forms on the neck, painless when touched, the doctor suspects a laringocele and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

  • General blood analysis;
  • Laryngoscopy (make an appointment);
  • Endofibrolaryngoscopy;
  • X-ray of the neck (make an appointment);
  • Tomography (computer or magnetic resonance (sign up)) neck.
A general blood test is prescribed to exclude the inflammatory process, and the main methods for diagnosing laryngocele are laryngoscopy, endofibrolaryngoscopy and x-ray of the neck. If the results of these examinations turned out to be doubtful, then a tomography of the neck is prescribed.

If a person has a sore throat and a sensation of a "lump" in the throat, sore throat, aggravated by swallowing, combined with a dry cough, the need for periodic coughing to remove the mucus accumulating in the throat, then the doctor suspects pharyngitis, and to diagnose it, he performs pharyngoscopy (make an appointment), and also prescribes a bacteriological culture of a swab from the pharynx to identify the microbe-causative agent of the inflammatory process.

If dryness is felt in the throat, scratching in combination with a barking cough, wheezing, hoarse or absent voice - the doctor suspects laryngitis, and to diagnose it, he performs laryngoscopy, and also prescribes a sputum culture to identify the causative agent of the infectious and inflammatory process.

When for a long time a person inhales the air with difficulty, and whistling rales are heard during breathing, his voice is hoarse, and these disorders are accompanied by signs of brain hypoxia (poor memory, absent-mindedness, sleep disturbances, headaches, bouts of nausea) - the doctor suspects stenosis of the larynx, and prescribes laryngoscopy or microlaryngoscopy with biopsy sampling to detect it. To assess the voice function, phonetography is prescribed and carried out. These surveys allow you to directly identify the stenosis of the larynx, but to find out the reasons for the narrowing of this organ, the doctor prescribes the following examinations:

  • Ultrasound of the thyroid gland (make an appointment);
  • Multislice tomography of the larynx;
  • X-ray of the esophagus (make an appointment);
  • Computer (sign up) or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (make an appointment);
  • Bacteriological culture of a throat swab.
In addition, to identify complications of stenosis of the larynx, an analysis of the acid-base state and blood gases, x-rays of the lungs, electrocardiography and echocardiography are prescribed.

When wheezing is heard during breathing, combined with pain in the heart, a feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart, palpitations or arrhythmia, shortness of breath during physical or emotional stress, dry cough, swelling in the legs

  • Phonocardiography (PCG) ( sign up);
  • 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring (make an appointment);
  • chest x-ray;
  • Functional trials (sign up) (bicycle ergometry (sign up), treadmill, etc.).
  • If a person has nonspecific symptoms of an infection (fever, chills, headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, sweating), combined with cough, wheezing and shortness of breath, then the doctor suspects an infectious disease that occurs with damage to the respiratory system ( legionnaires' disease, endemic flea typhus), and for its diagnosis prescribes the following tests and examinations:
    • General blood analysis;
    • Blood test for antibodies (sign up) to rickettsiae (diagnosis of endemic flea typhus) by the methods of RSK, RA, RIGA, RIF, ELISA;
    • Bacteriological culture of sputum or swabs from the bronchi (diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease);
    • Analysis of blood, bronchial swabs or pleural fluid for the presence of antibodies to legionella by RIF, ELISA, RNIF, RMA (diagnosis of legionnaires' disease);
    • X-rays of light.
    The main methods for detecting infections are blood and sputum tests, which are prescribed by doctors in the first place. A general blood test is prescribed to assess the state of the body and the degree of activity of the pathological process. An x-ray of the lungs is prescribed when legionnaires' disease is detected according to the results of the tests, in order to assess the degree of pathological changes in the lungs.

    When a cough (dry or with sputum) does not go away for more than 3 weeks, is combined with sweating at night, weight loss and persistent subfebrile body temperature (up to 37.5 o C), the doctor suspects tuberculosis and prescribes a complete blood count and sputum microscopy for the detection of mycobacteria. Next, any of the following tests is prescribed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the body - Mantoux test (sign up), diaskintest (sign up), quantiferon test (sign up), analysis of blood, swabs from the bronchi, pleural fluid by the method PCR (sign up). To detect changes in the lungs is prescribed fluorography (sign up), x-ray or computed tomography (one thing). And only if these studies did not allow unambiguously to refute or confirm tuberculosis, then additional diagnostics is prescribed thoracoscopy (make an appointment)/bronchoscopy and sampling of lung biopsy for histological examination.

    When for a long period of time a person suffers from an irritating cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, sometimes hemoptysis, chest pain and symptoms of general poor health (decreased performance, constant fatigue, lethargy, weight loss, irritability, headaches, etc.) , then a tumor formation in the bronchi or lungs is suspected, and in this case, the doctor must prescribe the following tests and examinations.

    Wheezing, manifested during breathing, is always explained by one or another obstacle in the path of the air flow. The bronchopulmonary tract consists of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Wheezing in the lungs - this definition refers to any noise, other than the sound of healthy breathing, heard when inhaling or exhaling.

    Before doing anything to eliminate the symptoms, the cause and location of the source of the noise should be identified.

    What does "wheezing in the lungs" mean?

    The noises that have arisen during breathing, characterized as wheezing in the bronchi or lungs, reflect an unhealthy process taking place in them. Two states of the airways are observed when air moves through them with wheezing:

    • the internal space of the bronchi or trachea is narrowed as a result of spasm and / or inflammation - this explains the manifestation of wheezing in bronchial asthma, allergies or bronchitis;
    • mucous or purulent masses accumulate on the inner mucous membrane of the trachea or bronchi, the passage of air through them causes various sounds.

    When wheezing is heard in the lungs during breathing in an adult or a child, a cough should be expected as a means of cleansing the bronchopulmonary tract.

    NB! If a child has wheezing in his lungs when he breathes, a small toy in his airway may be the cause. If a mechanical object from the nasopharynx cannot be blown out or blown out, you should immediately consult a doctor.

    Depending on the localization of the inflammatory process, the name of the disease also occurs, which causes changes in the bronchopulmonary tract.

    Tracheitis - inflammation of the trachea

    Trachea - a windpipe, a direct continuation of the larynx, a cartilaginous tube ten to thirteen centimeters long. The trachea is lined with a mucous membrane.

    Inflammatory processes in the trachea often occur along with other symptoms of SARS and are accompanied by inflammation in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and throat.

    NB! Tracheitis is caused by the forced need to inhale very cold, dirty or dry air for a long time.

    In acute tracheitis, mucosal edema is observed, the inner lining of the trachea is covered with accumulations of mucus and petechial hemorrhages. The classic symptoms are:

    • hacking attacks of coughing in the morning, as well as with a deep breath, a sharp exhalation;
    • dry cough at night;
    • a fit of coughing gives the patient a long, aching pain in the larynx and behind the sternum.

    Patients, especially children, try to breathe shallowly and frequently. At the same time, the lungs are not sufficiently ventilated, which causes complications.

    Bronchitis

    Inflammation of the bronchial mucosa caused by viruses or bacteria - bronchitis. Wheezing is heard when mucus clogs the inner lumen of the bronchi. The mucous membrane of the bronchus becomes edematous and inflamed, mucus is formed in the inner lumen, the muscles tense up, trying to get rid of the mucus - a spasm occurs.

    Most often, in 99% of cases, bronchitis is caused by viruses.

    The influenza virus prefers the bronchial mucosa. If other manifestations of an acute respiratory viral infection are observed: cough, runny nose, fever - any doubts about the viral origin disappear. Enough lymphocytes to kill a particular virus are produced in three to five days.

    When there is no relief by the fifth day, bacteria are already involved in the process.

    Bronchitis becomes bacterial as a result of improper treatment or in the absence of an adequate immune response of the body. Bacterial bronchitis is a very serious condition, characterized by high fever, toxicosis.

    Children under five years of age do not cough up mucus well due to the small openings of the bronchi and weak respiratory muscles. With bronchitis in a child, wheezing in the lungs fades away in two to three weeks. How long will it take to recover.

    Pulmonary pathologies

    Consider wheezing that occurs in the lungs during breathing, caused by inflammation or damage to the lungs. Inflammation of the lung tissue most often occurs due to improper treatment of viral bronchitis. Inflammation in the lungs is almost always caused by the blockage of the bronchus with parched mucus. As a result:

    1. Ventilation of the lung area is disturbed.
    2. Bacteria settle in it and develop.
    3. The lung becomes inflamed.

    Mucus dries up at high body temperature, when breathing too warm and dry air, if the drinking regimen is disturbed. Pneumonia is manifested by a sharp rise in temperature, cough with copious purulent sputum. Wheezing with pneumonia is heard in the lower parts of the lungs, and inflammation is localized here. These parts of the lungs are little involved in breathing with a sedentary lifestyle. Under mechanical damage to the lungs, manifested only by wheezing, they mean a slight contusion of the lung.

    Dry and wet rales

    Listening to wheezing is called auscultation. The doctor does this with a stethoscope or phonendoscope. At home, you can attach an ear or a tube of thick paper to the chest.

    During auscultation, the listener is asked to breathe deeply or superficially, slowly or quickly. In this way, the place where wheezing is formed and their characteristics are revealed.

    According to the clarity or absence of fluids in the bronchopulmonary tract, two large groups are distinguished: dry and wet rales.

    Dry rales are heard in the lungs mainly during exhalation. Their reason is the narrowing of the bronchopulmonary tracts. Narrowing leads to:

    • swelling;
    • the introduction of a foreign body;
    • dry mucus;
    • pressure on the bronchi from the outside;
    • tumor.

    The transverse size of the bronchus determines how dry rales are heard - a hum, buzz or whistle:

    • whistling sounds are heard when the lumen narrows in the small bronchi and bronchioles; suspicion of bronchitis, bronchiolitis or bronchial asthma;
    • buzzing and buzzing sounds - with inflammation of the medium and large bronchi, with tracheobronchitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis.

    Wet rales are heard in the bronchi when the gaps are filled to varying degrees with liquid sputum, blood, and edematous fluid. Moist rales in the lungs are heard during inspiration. The inhaled air passes through the liquid, air bubbles form on its surface and burst. Therefore, these wheezing is called bubble wheezing. According to the diameter of the respiratory tract, there are:

    • finely bubbling, formed in the small bronchi and bronchioles:
      • sonorous, if there is not much liquid, appear when the area of ​​the lung is inflamed, for example, with pneumonia;
      • soundless, air enters, passing through the accumulated fluid, as in pulmonary edema, chronic heart failure, an attack of bronchial asthma;
    • medium bubbling and large bubbling rales are born in the bronchial lumen of medium and large diameters, respectively, as well as in cavities, with deformation of the bronchus, lung abscess, tuberculous cavity.

    NB! No disease has a distinct, unique type of wheezing. The diagnosis is made, only taking into account all the symptoms and data of analyzes and radiography.

    No fever but cough

    Wheezing in the lungs means that the patency of the bronchopulmonary tract is impaired. Here the cause of this violation must be found out: inflammation, foreign body, neoplasms.

    Wheezing is accompanied by cough. Cough is not a disease, but a reaction of the body. The role of coughing is to clear the airways.

    NB! A cough does not need to be treated, especially until a diagnosis is made by a specialist.

    To make the airways easier to clear, the mucus in them (phlegm) should be less viscous. The viscosity of blood affects the viscosity of sputum.

    Diseases in which there are wheezing in the lungs with a cough can pass without fever:

    1. If the temperature was hastily brought down at the beginning of an acute respiratory viral infection, the further course of the disease occurs without a thermal reaction of the body. After suffering ARVI, the bronchi are cleared of sputum for some time. Coughing sometimes lasts a week or two.
    2. Complications of the transferred inflammations appeared, the infection proceeds latently.
    3. The presence of a foreign object in the bronchi, as a rule, is observed in children. Requires examination and removal.
    4. Bronchial asthma. Asthma attacks are stopped with special drugs. Urgent medical attention required.
    5. The development of a tumor that blocks the airways.
    6. Allergic reaction. The allergen must be identified and eliminated.

    The correct diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and getting rid of the most unpleasant symptoms: coughing and wheezing in the lungs. Wheezing without fever is the basis for examination, the correct treatment is selected after identifying the underlying causes.

    How to treat an adult and a child?

    To cure a patient with pathologies in the lungs, the cause that gave rise to them should be eliminated. The first question is not how to treat wheezing in the lungs when breathing in adults, babies, but what caused them. Wheezing is not a disease, but the result of abnormal processes for a healthy body.

    Nevertheless, there are a number of medicines that can alleviate the patient's condition. Each performs a specific task:

    • when it is necessary to facilitate the separation of sputum, mucolytics are used to thin it;
    • antibiotics fight bacterial infection in the lungs;
    • if necessary, eliminate spasms, relax the walls of the bronchi, that is, relieve an asthma attack, use beta-agonists.

    NB! The use of mucolytics, especially in children, should be prescribed by a doctor, although they are sold without a prescription. Improper use of the drug can cause an asthma attack.

    All medications should be prescribed after examination and diagnosis. When the source that causes wheezing in the lungs is established, it is determined how to cure the disease.

    When wheezing in the lungs, bronchi or trachea in a child or adult is caused by a normally occurring acute respiratory viral infection, mucolytics and antibiotics are not used in the treatment. The patient is prescribed a warm drink in large quantities. The air must be moist. Staying outdoors is desirable as soon as the temperature returns to normal.

    Useful video

    For more information on diagnosing lung diseases, see the following video:

    Conclusion

    1. If wheezing is heard in the lungs during breathing, a comprehensive study will be required to accurately determine the cause.
    2. Even an experienced specialist will not find out the whole picture of the ongoing processes as a result of just listening. You will need to take blood, urine, and sometimes sputum samples for analysis.
    3. The condition of the lungs is checked using x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging.
    4. Based on the results of the examination, it becomes clear how to cure the specific disease that caused wheezing in the lungs.

    To select the appropriate drug for the treatment of wheezing in the lungs when breathing, it is necessary to know the exact cause (etiology). According to the etiology, wheezing can be divided into 2 categories:

    1. 1. Pulmonary. The cause is diseases that have developed as a result of infection and damage to the respiratory organs. Bacteria, viruses or pathogens can act as pathogens.
    2. 2. Other diseases not associated with infection of the respiratory system. For example, the pathology of the cardiovascular system. Mostly seen in older people.

    The presence of wheezing and whistling sounds from the bronchi without fever in adults and children may indicate serious diseases that also affected the respiratory system. Timely detection of the causes of wheezing will avoid serious complications.

    Pneumonia is characterized by wheezing in the sternum in the absence of fever. As a rule, wheezing is first dry, and then becomes wet. In such a case, wheezing is accompanied by hard breathing.

    Other diseases that have similar symptoms include:

    • tuberculosis;
    • tumors in the lungs.

    Noises that occur during exhalation are expiratory, while inhalation is inspiratory.

    Moist rales occur due to the passage of air through the accumulated fluid in the lungs. They are divided among themselves into small, medium and large bubbles.

    Moist rales can occur due to the following diseases:

    • pulmonary edema;
    • tuberculosis;
    • bronchial asthma;
    • heart failure;
    • bronchitis;
    • SARS.

    The appearance of dry wheezing is associated with a narrowing of the lumen for the passage of an air stream. The causes of the narrowing of the lumen are diseases such as:

    • neoplasms in the trachea;
    • pneumonia;
    • tumor;
    • bronchitis.

    How to treat bubbling sounds in the lungs?

    Depending on the type of wet rales, the method and method of treatment is selected. The main thing that connects all methods is the focus on eliminating the causes that caused wheezing.

    Small bubbling rales during breathing can not always be localized and detected when viewed with a stethoscope. To detect a site of bubbling wheezing, the doctor prescribes an x-ray.

    In the presence of severe wheezing without fever and difficulty in breathing, the patient is placed in a hospital. The patient must be provided with respiratory function - he is connected to an artificial respiration apparatus. Having provided a safe environment, they move on to determining the causes and choosing a therapy program. When choosing medicines, medicines are used to relieve inflammation of the bronchi.

    To treat moist rales, it is necessary to open the airflow path to the lungs. For this, drugs that thin the sputum and stimulate their discharge are prescribed. For the effectiveness of treatment, the patient is placed on bed rest, and to ensure peace and normal breathing, he is placed in a certain position.

    Cysteine ​​and Mukomist act as sputum-thinning drugs. After liquefaction of sputum, lung spasms are provoked with the help of Lazolvan and Mukobene.

    If, due to a lack of response to treatment, hoarseness persists and sputum is not excreted, the doctor reviews the list of prescribed medications. When sputum appears, pay attention to color and density. If the sputum is thick, green, or yellowish, a serious infection is likely.

    With wheezing provoked by a bacterial infection, antibiotics of a wide range of groups are prescribed:

    • fluoroquinol;
    • macrolide;
    • penicillin;
    • cephalosporin.

    If wheezing is caused by a viral infection of the respiratory organs, antiviral therapy with Kagocel or Ingavirin is required.

    With wheezing caused by allergens, antihistamines of general and local action are prescribed.

    1. 1. Tavegil.
    2. 2. Flixonase.
    3. 3. Suprastin.
    4. 4. Loratodin.
    5. 5. Kromoglin.

    The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on compliance with bed rest, fluid intake and medications taken. With an integrated approach to the treatment of wheezing, results can be achieved much faster.

    For the period of treatment, you need to completely abandon bad habits. Smoking negatively affects lung activity, and alcohol consumption is incompatible with drug treatment.

    To maintain the immune system, it is advised to take a complex of vitamins, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. For prevention, hardening is recommended, but without fanaticism, in order to prevent sudden hypothermia.

    ethnoscience

    In the fight against wheezing, traditional medicine shows itself well. Although it should not be the only way to deal with serious illnesses, therapy can relieve severe wheezing symptoms at home by improving the breathing process.

    Before using this or that folk remedy with plants and products, you must make sure that there is no allergic reaction. Side effects from allergens can cause serious harm to the respiratory process in inflamed airways.

    There are several safe and effective ways to get rid of wheezing in the lungs and coughing:

    1. 1. Inhalation of baking soda vapors. Pour 1.5 liters of hot water into the basin and dilute 2-3 tbsp. l. baking soda, achieving complete dissolution of soda. After the solution is ready, you need to bend over the basin and cover yourself with a towel. In a space separated by a towel, inhale the vapors of baking soda for 10 minutes. After this procedure, thick sputum liquefies and begins to move away. A similar procedure is carried out daily until the sputum is completely released and the wheezing in the lungs disappears.
    2. 2. "Potato" therapy. All actions are similar to those described above with baking soda. The difference is that they inhale the vapors of freshly brewed potatoes.
    3. 3. A decoction of licorice, thyme, chamomile and coltsfoot. All components are taken in equal proportions, boiled and filtered. The resulting decoction is consumed three times a day.
    4. 4. A decoction of birch buds. Take 30 g of kidneys and crush. Melt 100 ml of butter in a water bath. Mix the two components, place in a pot and place in a warm oven. The product should languish in the oven over low heat for an hour, after which it is cooled, filtered and a glass of honey is added. Take 1 spoon 3-4 times a day.
    5. 5. Radish juice with honey. A root crop is taken, the top is cut off and a niche is made. Honey is poured into the hole and the root crop is removed in a cool, dark place. After a day, honey will absorb the radish juice. Take 1 tsp. 3-4 times a day.
    6. 6. Infusion of plantain, raspberry, cranberry, elderberry and eucalyptus. Eucalyptus well provokes bronchospasms, plantain relieves inflammation, and raspberries thin sputum.
    7. 7. Milk with honey. Heat up 300-400 ml of milk and add honey. Boil until the broth takes on a liquefied structure. Drink 200-300 ml 3-4 per day.
    8. 8. Milk with sage. Heated milk with sage facilitates breathing and improves the patient's sleep.
    9. 9. Onion syrup. The onion is chopped, covered with sugar and infused. Take the resulting remedy several times a day until the complete disappearance of wheezing in the lungs.

    If after long-term treatment with folk remedies there is no positive effect, it is imperative to consult a specialist.

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