What is a common reason for wheezing sounds during breathing?

Wheezing sounds during breathing are commonly associated with the presence of trapped air in the airways. This phenomenon typically occurs when the airways become narrowed or obstructed, making it difficult for air to flow freely. In conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis, the airways can constrict, leading to a disordered airflow pattern. This disturbed airflow creates a high-pitched sound known as wheezing, which is most prominent during expiration but can also occur during inhalation.

While fluid in the lungs, excess mucus, and a collapsed lung may also affect breathing and contribute to abnormal lung sounds, they do not specifically result in wheezing the same way trapped air does. Fluid can lead to crackling or bubbling sounds, excess mucus can cause coughing and produce different types of sounds, and a collapsed lung primarily results in decreased breath sounds rather than wheezing. Understanding the mechanics of air movement in the lungs is essential for recognizing the significance of wheezing as a clinical sign and its underlying causes.