Treatment for a wheezing cold

A wheezing cold is coughing that causes heavy contraction of the chest and shortness of breath. This is quite common among those who suffer from asthma but also among those who have allergies or smoking heavily.

Determine the cause of wheezing

If the individual suffers from emphysema, asthma or chronic bronchitis, the doctor will recommend specific treatment options to deal with the problem such as antibiotics.  Wheezing can also be due to a heart that is not pumping properly. Due to this, the individual undergoes a few diagnostic tests to rule out other potential health problems.

When to consult a doctor

Bring the individual to the emergency department if the wheezing is accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, hyperventilation and nausea. These are signs of an asthma attack even if the doctor could not not previously diagnosed.

One way to determine whether it is a simple wheezing cold or a condition that require emergency care is to encourage the individual to cough a few times to clear up the airways. If the wheezing stops, even momentarily after a few coughs, it is not serious and you can treat it at home.

Wheezing cold


Treatment measures at home

One of the measures helps with wheezing cold is to provide the individual with caffeine such as cola, tea or a cup of black coffee. These dilates the blood vessels while allowing the lungs to relax to help ease the coughing. This works well in cases of wheezing cold due to another condition other than asthma.

You can also provide over-the-counter medications that contain epinephrine. Even though these medications are not the best options for those who have asthma, it is the solution if there is nothing else on hand and requires relief until a doctor is seen. Always remember to keep the dosage at a minimum since they causes heart palpitations and high blood pressure in some. See a doctor so that the appropriate medications can be given.


The doctor can prescribe medications that contain corticosteroids or antihistamine to treat the wheezing cold that seems to recur on a frequent basis. Both of these medications can provide favorable results over time instead of immediate relief. In case immediate relief is necessary, keeps bronchodilator medications on hand since they relieve a wheezing cold with 1-2 doses.

Important considerations to bear in mind

If the wheezing cold does not improve even if the doctor provides medications or one that lasts for more than several days, it is a serious health condition that require further assessment .



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