Differential Diagnosis for Wheezing when Breathing In
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Asthma: This is the most common cause of wheezing when breathing in, characterized by chronic inflammation and hyperreactivity of the airways, leading to episodic airflow obstruction.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD can cause wheezing, particularly in smokers or those with a history of smoking, due to chronic inflammation and damage to the lung tissue.
- Allergic Rhinitis: Postnasal drip and allergic reactions can trigger wheezing in some individuals, especially when breathing in allergens or irritants.
- Bronchiectasis: A condition characterized by permanent enlargement of parts of the airways, often due to recurrent infections, which can lead to wheezing.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Foreign Body Aspiration: Especially in children, aspiration of a foreign body can cause sudden onset of wheezing and is a medical emergency.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause wheezing, among other symptoms, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause wheezing, especially if it leads to pulmonary infarction, and is critical to diagnose promptly.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Vocal Cord Dysfunction: A condition where the vocal cords do not function normally, which can cause wheezing or stridor, especially when breathing in.
- Tracheomalacia: A rare condition characterized by softening of the tracheal cartilage, which can lead to tracheal collapse and wheezing.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous structures, including the trachea, leading to wheezing and respiratory symptoms.