Definition: Wheeze

Wheeze

A wheeze is a high-pitched whistling sound made when air flows through narrowed airways in the lungs, usually when people breathe out. Wheezing is a common symptom in people who have asthma, although people can wheeze for reasons other than asthma. A doctor can listen for wheezing through a stethoscope, but sometimes wheezing can be heard even without a stethoscope.