Wheezing
Introduction
Beeping breathing, also called wheezing, is a high, whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when the airways are narrowed or partially blocked. The sound is often especially audible during exhalation, but can also occur during inhalation.
Squeaky breathing occurs in asthma, bronchitis, allergic reactions and COPD. Sometimes it occurs suddenly, for example during respiratory infection or after exposure to an allergen. In other people it is a recurrent or chronic complaint.
Within Chinese medicine, not only the wheezing itself, but also for example breathlessness, mucus, cough, fatigue, sensitivity to infections, digestion and factors that provoke the symptoms. This allows the same complaint to be dealt with by different people from another underlying imbalance.
In case of severe or sudden increase in breathlessness, conventional medical assessment is necessary.
Western disorders that can cause wheezing
Squeaky breathing may occur in, among others:
- asthma;
- acute or chronic bronchitis;
- COPD and emphysema;
- allergic reactions;
- respiratory infections;
- exposure to smoke, dust, chemicals or other irritants;
- reflux where stomach contents enter the airways;
- certain medicines;
- a foreign object or other obstruction of the airway;
- disorders in which fluid build up in or around the lungs.
The cause of new, unexplained or persistent wheezing should be regularly medically investigated.
Possible causes
Squeezing breathing is caused by narrowing or blocking the airways. In asthma, for example, inflammation and respiratory hypersensitivity play an important role. Infections, allergens, exertion, temperature changes, smoke, dust, air pollution and other irritants can cause or provoke symptoms.
Within Chinese medicine, several factors are also distinguished that can contribute to the emergence or recurrence of complaints. There may be constitutional predisposition , for example in people who are susceptible to asthma, hay fever, eczema or other allergic symptoms from an early age. This will focus on the constitutional basis of the Lung and Renal System.
According to TCM, recurrent respiratory infections or an infection that is not fully repaired can also make the airways more sensitive for a long time. In addition, prolonged overload, insufficient recovery, stress and emotional stress can play a role.
Nutrition becomes especially relevant when a lot of mucus is easily produced. In some people, certain foods may also cause asthmatic or allergic respiratory problems. Also long-term exposure to smoke, dust, fungi, pollen, chemicals or other irritants can contribute to recurrent symptoms.
How can acupuncture help with wheezing?
The treatment strongly depends on when someone is being treated. During a period of clear wheezing, the emphasis is mainly on making breathing freer and reducing factors that block the airways according to TCM. Between attacks by shifting attention to the underlying sensitivity and reducing the risk of new episodes.
Depending on the grievance picture, acupuncture can be aimed at:
- supporting breathing and restoring the decreasing movement of Lung-Qi;
- reduce tension and obstruction in the chest;
- To reduce Phlegm when it interferes with the airways;
- treat Cold of Heat when determining the acute complaint image;
- strengthen Lung-Qi in the event of recurrent respiratory problems and fatigue;
- support the Spleen when a lot of Phlegm is associated with digestive problems;
- support the Kenyans in the event of prolonged or constitutional weakness;
- regulation of tension when stress or emotions clearly affect breathing.
Acupuncture does not replace necessary inhalation medication or other regular treatment for asthma or other lung conditions.
How can Chinese herbal medicine help with wheezing?
Chinese herbs are also tuned to both current complaints and underlying predisposition. During an acute worsening a different herbal treatment may be needed than in a quiet period.
Depending on the picture of complaints, treatment may be directed at:
- open the airways and support breathing;
- Dissolve Phlegm and allow easier disposal;
- Removing cold in case of a cold complaint image with, for example, clear or white mucus;
- Reduce heat with a warm grievance, e.g. yellow mucus, thirst or feeling warm;
- treat remaining complaints after respiratory infection;
- Strengthen Lung and Spleen-Qi in case of recurrent complaints and mucus formation;
- support the constitutional basis for long-term or early age complaints;
- Yin nourish when chronic symptoms coincide with dryness and signs of Heat.
Herbs can be used daily between treatments and are therefore a possible supplement especially in the event of recurrent or chronic symptoms.
How does Chinese medicine view wheezing?
Within TCM, wheezing is mainly associated with the lung system . According to this theory, the Lungs are responsible for the free distribution of Qi in the chest and for a decreasing movement that supports a calm breathing. If this movement is blocked or too weak, Qi can accumulate in the chest. This may manifest itself as breathlessness, chest pressure, coughing and wheezing.
The cause of this can be very different. During an acute attack, for example, Cold, Heat or Phlegm can block normal lung function. Stress can disturb the free movement of Qi and therefore cause a feeling of tightness.
In the case of recurrent complaints, the Spleen and Kidneys are also considered. The Spleen plays a role in the processing and distribution of moisture within TCM. When this function is weakened, it is easier to create Phlegm that accumulates in the Lungs. According to TCM, the Kidneys support breathing at a deeper constitutional level.
In people with allergic or atopic predisposition, this constitutional background may be particularly important. For example, when asthma, hay fever or eczema is present from childhood onwards, TCM looks at the constitutional basis of the Lung and Renal System. A history of allergic respiratory complaints can also play a role in the long-term respiratory tract infection.
A recognizable combination of symptoms and symptoms is called a pattern within TCM. The pattern name therefore describes in particular how the complaint presents itself to someone and what underlying functions appear to be disturbed. Below are the most common patterns discussed. Other patterns are possible, multiple patterns can occur at the same time and not everyone with the same pattern has all the mentioned symptoms. The pattern is determined on the basis of the overall picture of complaints.
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Most common TCM patterns
Cold
In this acute pattern, the airways are narrowed according to TCM and the normal movement of Lung-Qi is obstructed. The term Cold describes in particular how the complaints present themselves. An attack can be provoked by an airway infection, temperature change, exertion or exposure to irritating particles.
Common symptoms:
- sudden or recurrent wheezing;
- Breathlessness and a strong tightness of the chest;
- cough;
- clear, white, thin or watery mucus;
- symptoms may be aggravated by cold;
- for respiratory infection, chills, muscle pain and nasal discomfort.
Examples of Western disorders: asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, acute bronchitis and respiratory infections.
Heat
At Heat, breathing is also blocked, but the symptoms are clearly warmer and often more inflammatory. According to TCM this regularly goes together with Phlegm which is thicker and more difficult to dispose of.
Common symptoms:
- clear wheezing and breathlessness;
- rapid or restless breathing;
- strong tightness, burning or warmness on the chest;
- cough;
- yellow or green, sticky mucus;
- thirst;
- irritability;
- sometimes fever.
Examples of Western disorders: asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, acute bronchitis and respiratory infections.
Lung- and Liver-Qi stagnation
Tension plays a clear role in this pattern. According to TCM, stagnation of Liver-Qi hinders the free movement of Qi in the chest and thus also the normal movement of Lung-Qi. Therefore, the complaint often gets much worse during stress or emotional tension.
The wheezing itself may not always be clearly audible. Sometimes the main symptom is a feeling that the chest does not open properly or that you cannot take a satisfying deep breath.
Common symptoms:
- tightness or full chest sensation;
- difficulty in deep breathing;
- mild or varying wheezing;
- little or no mucus;
- clear relationship with stress, tension or emotions;
- groaning;
- feeling of a lump or narrowing of the throat;
- irritability or varying mood.
Examples of Western disorders: asthma and stress-related respiratory problems.
Lack of pathogen
Sometimes recurrent respiratory complaints start after an infection that someone never seems to have fully recovered from. Within TCM this can be described as a delayed pathogen: a disturbance that persists after the original disease and keeps the airways sensitive.
According to TCM theory, a similar picture may arise after prolonged exposure to smoke, dust, fungi, chemicals or other irritants.
Common symptoms:
- recurrent or persistent wheezing since previous respiratory infection;
- complaints often worse at night;
- dry, irritating cough;
- attacks by smoke, dust, pollen or other environmental incentives;
- dry mouth or throat;
- fatigue;
- restless sleep;
- sometimes slight elevation or night sweats.
Examples of Western disorders: post-viral respiratory problems, allergic asthma and persistent symptoms following bronchitis or pneumonia.
Lung-Qi deficiency
In Lung-Qi deficiency, TCM's lung function is too weak to provide adequate respiratory support, which may be constitutionally present or developed after prolonged or recurrent airway problems.
In allergic predisposition, this pattern can be visible from childhood onwards. Fatigue, shortness of breath and sensitivity to infections or allergens are common among seizures.
Common symptoms:
- recurrent wheezing and shortness of breath;
- especially difficulty in breathing out;
- fast out of breath;
- weak or soft voice;
- quickly tired of talking or exertion;
- susceptible to colds and respiratory infections;
- occasionally hay fever, sneezing, runny nose or itching;
- pale vision and little energy.
Examples of Western disorders: asthma, allergic airway symptoms and atopic predisposition.
Spleen-Qi deficiency with Phlegm
Within TCM the Spleen supports the processing of food and moisture. When this function is weakened, moisture can accumulate and eventually form Phlegm. That Phlegm can then burden the Lungs and airways.
This pattern is especially recognizable when wheezing is associated with a lot of mucus and digestive problems. Certain foods may significantly worsen the symptoms in some people. Food allergies can also be associated with asthma-like respiratory complaints.
Common symptoms:
- wheezing with a lot of mucus;
- Thick, sticky, white or clear mucus;
- audible mucus or groove on the chest;
- symptoms often get worse in the morning;
- symptoms may worsen after certain foods;
- bloating;
- low appetite;
- nausea;
- soft stools or diarrhoea;
- tiredness and feeling heavy.
Examples of Western disorders: asthma, chronic bronchitis, food allergies and respiratory problems along with chronic nasal or sinus problems.
Kidney-Yang deficiency
According to TCM, long-term complaints may also weaken the support function of the Kidneys. At Kidney-Yang deficiency, this goes hand in hand with clear signs of Cold and reduced fluid regulation.
This pattern is mainly seen with prolonged breathing difficulties and more frequently in older age.
Common symptoms:
- chronic wheezing and shortness of breath;
- especially difficulty in deep breathing;
- symptoms worse with exercise and cold;
- much thin, watery mucus;
- cold hands and feet;
- low back and legs feel weak or cold;
- strong tiredness;
- frequent or night peeing;
- Sometimes stick to fluid.
Examples of Western diseases: chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD and emphysema.
Kidney-Yin deficiency
Kidney-Yin deficiency is also particularly common in the case of prolonged respiratory problems, where dryness and relative heat are at the forefront. According to the source, this picture occurs among people taking long-term airway medication and may be associated with Lung-Qi deficiency.
Common symptoms:
- chronic wheezing and shortness of breath;
- often low mucus;
- symptoms worse at night;
- dry mouth, throat, skin or mucous membranes;
- hotness or hot flushes;
- night sweats;
- tired but restless at the same time;
- low back and legs may be weak or painful;
- chronic throat dryness or sore throat.
Examples of Western diseases: chronic asthma, COPD and emphysema.
Outlook
The course of treatment strongly depends on the cause, severity and duration of the symptoms. An acute worsening due to respiratory infection or temporary stimulation can change relatively quickly when the triggering factor disappears. In recurrent asthma or chronic respiratory diseases, the emphasis is more on reducing the frequency and severity of complaints and supporting periods between seizures.
In constitutional patterns such as Lung, Spleen or Renal Void, change is usually more gradual. Treatment may take several months. One treatment per week is common in the initial phase; depending on the severity of the symptoms can be treated temporarily more frequently. As the situation becomes more stable, the frequency can be reduced.
In asthma, COPD and other identified respiratory diseases, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are added. Prescribed inhalation medication or other regular medication is not reduced or stopped on its own initiative.
Contact
Do you experience wheezing regularly and want to know whether acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine can help your symptoms? During a first appointment, we will discuss your complaints, possible trigger factors and your general health. Based on this, we will examine which TCM pattern best suits your situation and which treatment fits in with it.