Wheezing results from a narrowing of the airways and typically indicates some difficulty breathing. The narrowing of the airways can be caused by inflammation from asthma, an infection, an allergic reaction, or by a physical obstruction, such as a tumor or a foreign object that's been inhaled. The most common cause of recurrent wheezing is asthma. Possible causes of wheezing include:
1. Allergies
2. Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction, such as to an insect bite or medication)
3. Asthma
4. Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition in which abnormal widening of bronchial tubes inhibits mucus clearing
5. Bronchiolitis (especially in young children)
6. Bronchitis
7. Childhood asthma
8. COPD
9. Emphysema
10. Epiglottitis (swelling of the "lid" of your windpipe)
11. Foreign object inhaled
12. GERD — Gastroesophageal reflux disease
13. Heart failure
14. Lung cancer
15. Pneumonia
16. Sleep apnea