Stridor (wheew)

Stridor (Wheew) is an abnormally high-pitched (whooshing) or low-pitched (puffing) sound heard during exhalation. It can be heard both through a stethoscope and by direct auscultation of the patient.

The cause of stridor is a narrowing of the airways, for example, as a result of bronchospasm or increased secretion and retention of mucus in the airways. Stridor often occurs in patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis.

Stridor indicates difficulty in moving air through the airways. This may be due to inflammation, swelling or spasm of the larynx, trachea or large bronchi. The sound of stridor is caused by turbulent, vortex movement of air in the narrow lumen of the respiratory tract.

To eliminate the cause of stridor, treatment of the underlying disease that caused the narrowing of the airways is required. In addition, sometimes emergency measures are necessary to restore patency of the airways, for example during a severe asthma attack. Timely recognition and treatment of stridor is important to prevent life-threatening conditions associated with respiratory failure.

Stridor can be heard both during auscultation of the patient and through a stethoscope. It occurs as a result of narrowing of the airways and can be caused by various reasons such as bronchospasm, increased secretion and mucus retention in the lungs.

Stridor is common in patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis, as these conditions can lead to narrowing of the airways. Stridor can be a sign of serious medical conditions such as airway obstruction or pneumonia.

If you notice stridor in yourself or your loved ones, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may prescribe treatment to help relieve the narrowing of your airways and improve your breathing.

In general, stridor is a serious symptom that may indicate serious respiratory problems. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help promptly and monitor your health.

Article: Stridor (Wheew): a whistling or puffing sound in the airways

Suddenly hearing a whistling or puffing sound while exhaling can be an alarming symptom indicating possible problems with the respiratory system. This sound, known as stridor or wheew, can be heard either when using a stethoscope or when listening directly to the patient. Stridor usually indicates a narrowing of the airways, which can be caused by various reasons, such as bronchospasm or mucus retention in the airways.

One of the most common causes of stridor is asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases associated with chronic inflammation of the airways. In these cases, inflammation causes a narrowing of the bronchi, which leads to limited air flow and the appearance of a whistling sound during breathing. Patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis often experience stridor as one of the symptoms of their disease.

However, stridor can also be caused by other causes not related to chronic diseases. For example, it may occur as a result of an allergic reaction or the anatomical features of the respiratory tract. In children, stridor may be associated with croup, an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract characterized by narrowing of the larynx and the appearance of a characteristic whistling sound.

Determining the cause of stridor is an important step for correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This may require additional tests such as a chest x-ray, CT scan or bronchoscopy. Treatment of stridor is directly related to the underlying disease that caused its occurrence. In case of asthma or chronic bronchitis, the use of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the cause of the narrowing of the airways.

In conclusion, stridor or wheew is an audible signal indicating narrowing of the airways. It can be a sign of various diseases, including asthma, chronic bronchitis or allergic reactions. Proper diagnosis and treatment of stridor is important to address the underlying cause and ensure normal functioning of the respiratory system. If you or your child develop symptoms of stridor, it is recommended that you consult a doctor for a detailed examination and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure optimal respiratory health.