Wheezing is a term used to describe a high-pitched sound when breathing. This sound is usually heard when exhaling. Wheezing is a symptom of a serious respiratory disorder that requires doctor's help as soon as possible. Wheezing is characterized by breath sounds like whistling, and can be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest. Wheezing will sound louder and clearer if you close your ears when exhaling. Usually the doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the sound of wheezing. Causes of Wheezing Wheezing is caused by constriction and inflammation of the respiratory tract in the throat and leading to the lungs. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common causes of wheezing. COPD is a term used for a number of diseases that attack the lungs in the long run. This disease blocks the flow of air from the lungs, so that sufferers will experience shortness of breath. Asthma and COPD are indeed the most common causes, but any inflammat