Less Common Causes of Chest Wheezing

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) means the heart is unable to provide an adequate blood supply to the rest of the body. In addition to wheezing, it causes:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing when lying flat
• Swelling in the feet and legs

People with CHF often have an enlarged heart with an inability to adequately pump blood to the rest of the body.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lungs. While PE may occasionally cause wheezing, more common symptoms are a sudden onset of shortness of breath and chest pain.

PE may be associated with risk factors such as:

• Use of birth control pills
• Previous blood clot
• Immobility from a long plane or car trip

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

People with cystic fibrosis usually have poor growth in childhood, cough, and shortness of breath in addition to wheezing.

CF can be diagnosed with a special test called the sweat chloride test.

Bronchiectasis

People with bronchiectasis often have recurrent pneumonia associated with cough and shortness of breath. If it's mistaken for asthma and treated with inhalers or corticosteroids, you're unlikely to respond.

Bronchiectasis may be diagnosed with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Wheezing from hypersensitivity pneumonitis results from chronic exposure to certain substances called antigens, such as moldy hay and bird droppings.

With this condition, wheezing generally goes away after the offending antigen is gone.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

While GERD can be a cause of worsening asthma, it can also lead to wheezing from recurrent pneumonia or scarring in the lungs.

Unlike asthma, wheezing from this condition usually goes away after the underlying condition is treated.