What condition is indicated by a wheeze?

A wheeze is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, often heard when exhaling. It generally indicates that there is some form of obstruction in the air passageways, which can be caused by various conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or an allergic reaction. The narrowing or obstruction of the airways restricts airflow, which produces the wheezing sound. This symptom reflects a compromised respiratory function that may require further assessment and management to address the underlying issue leading to the airway constriction.

In contrast, fluid in the pleural cavity or a lung infection may present with different symptoms, such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, while normal respiratory function does not produce any abnormal sounds like wheezing. Therefore, the presence of a wheeze distinctly points towards obstruction of air passages as the underlying condition.