6. Wheezing and Noisy Breathing
Why it happens: Narrowed or inflamed airways cause whistling or wheezing sounds. This happens in asthma, COPD, or end-stage lung disease.
How it feels: Patients may feel tightness in the chest and hear whistling when exhaling. Family may hear loud breathing even at rest.
Medical Tests:
- Spirometry / Peak Flow Test: Measures airflow obstruction.
- Bronchodilator Response Test: Checks if wheezing improves with inhalers.
- Chest CT Scan: Identifies airway narrowing.