Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing, often indicating narrowed or obstructed airways. The COVID-19 illness, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe lung complications.
Is Wheezing a Symptom of COVID-19?
Wheezing can be a symptom of COVID-19, though it is less common than other respiratory symptoms like cough or fever. When wheezing occurs, it often signals involvement of the lower airways, including the smaller breathing tubes within the lungs. Other common symptoms of COVID-19 affecting the airways and lungs can include a severe cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
While wheezing is a characteristic symptom of conditions like asthma, it has not been a consistently common symptom reported with COVID-19 across all cases. However, some reports indicate that people can experience wheezing as part of a COVID-19 infection, and it has also been noted in individuals with “long COVID,” where symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial infection. Some studies have found a higher prevalence of wheezing in pediatric patients hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to adults. Symptoms of newer COVID-19 variants generally remain similar to previous strains, primarily manifesting as a respiratory illness.
Why COVID-19 Can Cause Wheezing
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause wheezing through several mechanisms. One primary reason is inflammation of the airways, a condition similar to bronchitis. When the virus infects the respiratory tract, it can cause the airways to become inflamed and swollen, which narrows the passages and makes breathing difficult, leading to a whistling sound.
In some cases, COVID-19 can induce bronchospasm, where the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, further constricting the breathing tubes. This constriction can occur as the body’s immune response fights the infection. The infection can also cause mucus or fluid accumulation within the lungs, obstructing airflow and contributing to wheezing. If the infection progresses to pneumonia, lung air sacs can become infected and inflamed, filling with fluid and inflammatory cells, severely impairing oxygen transfer and causing breathing difficulties.
Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), may experience exacerbated wheezing during a COVID-19 infection. While asthma itself does not necessarily increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing more severe outcomes, the infection can trigger asthma-like episodes. The inflammatory effects of COVID-19 on the lungs can persist long after recovery, potentially contributing to new or worsened asthma-like symptoms, including wheezing, for several months.
When to Get Medical Help for Wheezing
It is important to seek medical attention if wheezing is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, especially in the context of suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Immediate medical care is necessary for severe difficulty breathing, such as struggling to speak, gasping, or choking. Other urgent warning signs include constant chest pain or pressure, bluish discoloration of the lips or face, sudden confusion, or trouble staying awake. Pale, gray, or bluish skin, lips, or nail beds also indicate a medical emergency.
If wheezing is a new symptom or if it worsens, particularly when combined with other COVID-19 symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is advised. This is important for individuals with underlying health conditions, who may be at higher risk for severe illness. For example, people over 65, those with weakened immune systems, or those with chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions should contact a doctor if symptoms are not improving or are concerning. A high temperature lasting over three days, a cough persisting over three weeks, or breathlessness that does not improve also warrant medical consultation.
While mild wheezing might be managed at home with rest and hydration, any significant change or new onset of wheezing requires professional assessment. If symptoms are not improving, or you feel very weak and struggle with basic tasks, contacting your doctor is crucial. Similarly, if you are shaking or shivering, or still feel unwell after a month, medical guidance should be sought.