Wheezing in newborns

Wheezing in newborns: What whistling sounds during breathing mean

Whistling sounds or wheezing on exhalation (wheezing) is a symptom that always indicates narrowing of the lower airways (bronchi or bronchioles). It is not a disease in itself, but a sign that can accompany various illnesses. The appearance of wheezing in a newborn is always a serious reason to seek immediate medical attention.

Why does wheezing occur?

The whistling sound occurs when air forcefully passes through narrowed airways, just as air whistles when passing through a narrow slit. In newborns and infants, the airways are already very narrow, so even slight swelling or spasm can lead to significant narrowing.

Most common causes of wheezing in infants:

• Bronchiolitis. It is the most common cause in children under one year. It is a viral infection (most often caused by RSV virus) that affects the smallest airways — bronchioles. Inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane lead to wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.
• Virus‑induced wheezing. Some viral infections can cause temporary bronchial spasm in susceptible children, even without causing classic bronchiolitis.
• Asthma. Although the diagnosis “bronchial asthma” is rarely given to children under 2‑3 years, recurrent episodes of wheezing can be its first manifestation.
• Foreign body aspiration. When the child inhales something that becomes lodged in the airways.
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). With severe reflux, stomach contents can enter the airways, causing inflammation and wheezing.

Parental actions

The onset of wheezing, especially if accompanied by signs of respiratory distress (rapid breathing, retractions of the chest wall), is an indication for an emergency call to ambulance services. Do not attempt to treat it on your own. A doctor should examine the child, listen to the lungs and determine the cause in order to prescribe appropriate treatment. For more about newborn health, read our articles.