The evaluation of wheezing begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with wheezing may include:

• Rapid breathing rate
• Rapid heart rate
• Whistling sounds while breathing out:
• Heard during lung examination with a stethoscope
• Cyanosis:
• Blue lips or nailbeds
• Signs of severe difficulty breathing:
• Rib retractions: ribs are visible during each breath
• Nasal flaring: nostrils open wide during each breath
• Use of the neck muscles to aid breathing

Tests are not necessary to detect wheezing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate wheezing include:

• Chest x-ray
• Pulmonary function testing
• Peak flow testing
• Sputum culture
• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gas

For more information:

• Asthma evaluation
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease evaluation
• Allergic reactions evaluation
• Chronic bronchitis evaluation
• Croup evaluation
• Bronchiolitis evaluation