HealthJuly 16, 2026

wheezing

/ˈwiːzɪŋ/

Definition

The act of breathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest, typically caused by obstructed or narrowed airways.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English word 'whisen,' which is of Old Norse origin. It is an imitative word, meaning the sound of the word mimics the actual sound made when breathing with difficulty.

In the news

In this article, wheezing is listed as a common physical symptom of poor air quality exposure, indicating that the reader should seek medical care if it persists.

How Does Air Quality Affect Our Health?

Read the full article ↗

University of Rochester

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