Wheezing in Adults

Wheezing without shortness of breath could still be asthma. Asthma is more likely to be the cause if you have experienced episodes of wheezing in the past.

Sometimes people develop wheezing for the first time following an upper respiratory infection such as bronchitis or a cold. The air tubes to the lungs temporarily become "reactive," meaning that the airways act as though they have temporary asthma. The bronchi get inflamed, produce more mucous, and become more sensitive to cold air, smoke, and other environmental changes.

Did you have a chest cold or upper respiratory infection prior to the onset of wheezing?

Yes, I had a cold before the symptoms started.

No, I have not had a recent chest cold.