Causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
List of causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions
(see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
that could possibly cause Bronchopulmonary dysplasia includes:
More causes:
see full list of causes for Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Causes: Book Excerpts
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a complication of other conditions:
Other conditions that might have
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a complication may,
potentially, be an underlying cause of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Our database lists the following as having
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a complication of that condition:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a symptom:
Conditions listing Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Our database lists the following as having
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a symptom of that condition:
Related information on causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia:
As with all medical conditions,
there may be many causal factors.
Further relevant information on causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia may be found in:
Causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the causes of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Stridor & Wheezing:
Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
Stridor (inspiratory)
- Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)
–Viral infection with tracheal narrowing due
to airway edema
–“Bark-like” cough, hoarseness
- Epiglottitis
–Airway emergency most commonly due to Haemophilus influenzae or group A streptococcus infection
–Abrupt onset of high fevers, sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia, respiratory distress
-
Foreign body lodged in the upper airway
-
Allergic reaction/anaphylaxis
–May have urticaria and angioedema (subcutaneous or mucosal swelling, often of the lips)
-
Trauma
-
Postendotracheal intubation
-
Psychogenic (e.g., paroxysmal vocal cord dyskinesia)
Stridor (expiratory)
-
COPD (expiratory vocalization to prolong time to airway closure and avoid air trapping)
-
Cardiac failure (expiratory vocalization to prolong increased intrathoracic pressure and unload left ventricle)
Wheezing
-
Asthma
–Triad of chronic cough, dyspnea, wheezing
–Wheezing may be absent in cases of severe
obstruction (insufficient air movement)
-
Pulmonary edema
–Leakage of fluid into the interstitium and alveoli due to elevated capillary pressure (cardiogenic) or abnormal capillary permeability (noncardiogenic)
COPD
GERD
Respiratory infection
–Upper respiratory infection
–Bronchiolitis
–“Atypical” pneumonia
-
Aspirated foreign body
–Abrupt onset of unilateral wheezing or stridor (if lodged in the upper airway), cough, and decreased breath sounds
Allergic reaction/anaphylaxis
–Urticaria, throat swelling (angioedema), and lip/tongue edema may be present
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Wheezing:
Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
Lower airway (expiratory, polyphonic)
- Extraluminal compression of airways
–Parenchymal: Pneumonia, pulmonary edema,
bronchogenic cyst
–Vascular: Ring, sling, “cardiac wheeze”
–Lymphatics: Enlarged lymph nodes (TB,
sarcoidosis, malignancy)
–Structural: CLE, scoliosis, or chest wall deformity with airway “kinking” - Transluminal change in airway
–Asthma: Inflammation, edema, hyperemia, mucus gland hypertrophy and proliferation, smooth muscle bronchospasm
–Bronchiectasis/bronchitis
–Cystic fibrosis
–Ciliary disease: Primary ciliary dyskinesia,
dysfunction due to ETS or hyperoxia
–Anatomic: Hemangioma, polyps, TEF, bronchial atresia, BALT, bronchiolitis obliterans, tracheobronchomalacia
–Immunologic disorders (e.g., IgA deficiency)
- Intraluminal change in airway
–Mucus (increased production or decreased
clearance), pus (infected sputum), blood
–Foreign body
–Aspirated food or stomach contents
secondary to gastroesophageal reflux
Upper airway (usually inspiratory and monophonic)
-
Nasal (congestion, choanal atresia, FB)
-
Oropharyngeal (tonsils, adenoids, macroglossia, foreign body, decreased tone, retropharyngeal abscess)
-
Laryngeal (laryngomalacia, vocal cord dysfunction or paralysis, laryngeal web or polyp, subglottic stenosis)
Central nervous system
-
Structural disease (e.g., Arnold-Chiari malformation leading to vocal cord paralysis)
-
Functional (e.g., vocal cord dysfunction, chronic aspiration)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can cause tracheal edema or bronchospasm, resulting in severe wheezing and stridor. Initial signs and symptoms include fright, weakness, sneezing, dyspnea, nasal pruritus, urticaria, erythema, and angioedema. Respiratory distress occurs with nasal flaring, accessory muscle use, and intercostal retractions. Other findings include nasal edema and congestion; profuse, watery rhinorrhea; chest or throat tightness; and dysphagia. Cardiac effects include arrhythmias and hypotension.
Aspiration of a foreign body
Partial obstruction by a foreign body produces sudden onset of wheezing and possibly stridor; a dry, paroxysmal cough; gagging; and hoarseness. Other findings include tachycardia, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds and, possibly, cyanosis. A retained foreign body may cause inflammation leading to fever, pain, and swelling.
Aspiration pneumonitis
With aspiration pneumonitis, wheezing may accompany tachypnea, marked dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, fever, productive (eventually purulent) cough, and pink, frothy sputum.
Asthma
Wheezing is an initial and cardinal sign of asthma. It’s heard at the mouth during expiration. An initially dry cough later becomes productive with thick mucus. Other findings include apprehension, prolonged expiration, intercostal and supraclavicular retractions, rhonchi, accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, and tachypnea. Asthma also produces tachycardia, diaphoresis, and flushing or cyanosis.
Bronchial adenoma
Bronchial adenoma, an insidious disorder, produces unilateral, possibly severe wheezing. Common features are chronic cough and recurring hemoptysis. Symptoms of airway obstruction may occur later.
Bronchiectasis
Excessive mucus commonly causes intermittent and localized or diffuse wheezing. A copious, foul-smelling, mucopurulent cough is classic. It’s accompanied by hemoptysis, rhonchi, and coarse crackles. Weight loss, fatigue, weakness, exertional dyspnea, fever, malaise, halitosis, and late-stage clubbing may also occur.
Bronchitis (chronic)
Bronchitis causes wheezing that varies in severity, location, and intensity. Associated findings include prolonged expiration, coarse crackles, scattered rhonchi, and a hacking cough that later becomes productive. Other effects include dyspnea, accessory muscle use, barrel chest, tachypnea, clubbing, edema, weight gain, and cyanosis.
Bronchogenic carcinoma
Obstruction may cause localized wheezing. Typical findings include a productive cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis (initially blood-tinged sputum, possibly leading to massive hemorrhage), anorexia, and weight loss. Upper extremity edema and chest pain may also occur.
Emphysema
Mild to moderate wheezing may occur with emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Related findings include dyspnea, malaise, tachypnea, diminished breath sounds, peripheral cyanosis, pursed-lip breathing, anorexia, and malaise. Accessory muscle use, barrel chest, a chronic productive cough, and clubbing may also occur.
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis may cause wheezing and rhonchi along with cough, fever, chills, pleuritic chest pain, headache, weakness, malaise, anorexia, and macular rash.
Pulmonary edema
Wheezing may occur with pulmonary edema, a life-threatening disorder. Other signs and symptoms include coughing, exertional and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and, later, orthopnea. Examination reveals tachycardia, tachypnea, dependent crackles, and a diastolic gallop. Severe pulmonary edema produces rapid, labored respirations; diffuse crackles; a productive cough with frothy, bloody sputum; arrhythmias; cold, clammy, cyanotic skin; hypotension; and thready pulse.
Tracheobronchitis
Auscultation may detect wheezing, rhonchi, and crackles. The patient also has a cough, slight fever, sudden chills, muscle and back pain, and substernal tightness.
Wegener’s granulomatosis
Wegener’s granulomatosis may cause mild to moderate wheezing if it compresses major airways. Other findings include a cough (possibly bloody), dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, hemorrhagic skin lesions, and progressive renal failure. Epistaxis and severe sinusitis are common.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Premature labor:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The possible causes of premature labor are many; they may include premature rupture of the membranes (occurs in 30% to 50% of premature labors), preeclampsia, chronic hypertensive vascular disease, hydramnios, multiple pregnancy, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, incompetent cervix, abdominal surgery, trauma, structural anomalies of the uterus, infections (such as rubella or toxoplasmosis), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and fetal death.
Other important provocative factors include:
❑ Fetal stimulation: Genetically imprinted information tells the fetus that nutrition is inadequate and that a change in environment is required for well-being; this provokes onset of labor.
❑ Oxytocin sensitivity: Labor begins because the myometrium becomes hypersensitive to oxytocin, the hormone that normally induces uterine contractions.
❑ Myometrial oxygen deficiency: The fetus becomes increasingly proficient in obtaining oxygen, depriving the myometrium of the oxygen and energy it needs to function normally, thus making the myometrium irritable.
❑ Maternal genetics: A genetic defect in the mother shortens gestation and precipitates premature labor.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Anaphylaxis
This allergic reaction can cause tracheal edema or bronchospasm, resulting in severe wheezing and stridor. Initial signs and symptoms include apprehension, weakness, sneezing, dyspnea, nasal pruritus, urticaria, erythema, and angioedema. Respiratory distress occurs with nasal flaring, accessory muscle use, and intercostal retractions. Other findings include nasal edema and congestion, profuse watery rhinorrhea, chest or throat tightness, and dysphagia. Cardiac effects include arrhythmias and hypotension.
Aspiration of a foreign body
Partial obstruction by a foreign body produces sudden onset of wheezing and possibly stridor; a dry, paroxysmal cough; gagging; and hoarseness. Other findings include tachycardia, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds, and possibly cyanosis. A retained foreign body may cause inflammation leading to fever, pain, and swelling.
Aspiration pneumonitis
In this disorder, wheezing may accompany tachypnea, marked dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, fever, a productive (eventually purulent) cough, and frothy pink sputum.
Asthma
Wheezing is an initial and cardinal sign of asthma. It’s heard at the mouth during expiration. An initially dry cough later becomes productive with thick mucus. Other findings include apprehension, prolonged expiration, intercostal and supraclavicular retractions, rhonchi, accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, and tachypnea. Asthma also produces tachycardia, diaphoresis, and flushing or cyanosis.
Blast lung injury
Wheezing is a common symptom of this condition, which is characterized by hypoxia and respiratory difficulty. The forceful blast wave that follows an explosive detonation can cause serious lung injury, including hemorrhage, contusion, edema, and tearing. In addition to wheezing, patients may exhibit chest pain, dyspnea, cyanosis, and hemoptysis. The diagnosis is confirmed by chest X-rays that show a classic “butterfly” pattern.
Bronchial adenoma
This insidious disorder produces unilateral, possibly severe wheezing. Common features are a chronic cough and recurring hemoptysis. Symptoms of airway obstruction may occur later.
Bronchiectasis
In this disorder, excessive mucus commonly causes intermittent and localized or diffuse wheezing. Characteristic findings include a chronic cough that produces copious amounts of foul-smelling, mucopurulent sputum; hemoptysis; rhonchi; and coarse crackles. Weight loss, fatigue, weakness, exertional dyspnea, fever, malaise, halitosis, and late-stage clubbing may also occur.
Bronchitis (chronic)
This disorder causes wheezing that varies in severity, location, and intensity. Associated findings include prolonged expiration, coarse crackles, scattered rhonchi, and a hacking cough that later becomes productive. Other effects include dyspnea, accessory muscle use, barrel chest, tachypnea, clubbing, edema, weight gain, and cyanosis.
Bronchogenic carcinoma
Obstruction may cause localized wheezing. Typical findings include a productive cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis (initially blood-tinged sputum, possibly leading to massive hemorrhage), anorexia, and weight loss. Upper extremity edema and chest pain may also occur.
Chemical pneumonitis (acute)
Mucosal injury causes increased secretions and edema, leading to wheezing, dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, malaise, fever, and a productive cough with purulent sputum. The patient may also have signs of conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and rhinitis.
Emphysema
Mild to moderate wheezing may occur in this form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Related findings include dyspnea, tachypnea, diminished breath sounds, peripheral cyanosis, pursed-lip breathing, anorexia, and malaise. Accessory muscle use, barrel chest, a chronic productive cough, and clubbing may also occur.
Inhalation injury
Early findings include hoarseness and coughing, singed nasal hairs, orofacial burns, and soot-stained sputum. Later effects may include wheezing, crackles, rhonchi, and respiratory distress.
Pneumothorax (tension)
This life-threatening disorder causes respiratory distress with possible wheezing, dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, and sudden, severe, sharp chest pain (often unilateral). Other findings include a dry cough, cyanosis, accessory muscle use, asymmetrical chest wall movement, anxiety, and restlessness. Examination reveals hyperresonance or tympany and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side, subcutaneous crepitation, decreased vocal fremitus, and tracheal deviation.
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis
This disorder may cause wheezing and rhonchi along with cough, fever, chills, pleuritic chest pain, headache, weakness, malaise, anorexia, and macular rash.
Pulmonary edema
This life-threatening disorder may cause wheezing, coughing, exertional and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and, later, orthopnea. Examination reveals tachycardia, tachypnea, dependent crackles, and a diastolic gallop. Severe pulmonary edema produces rapid, labored respirations; diffuse crackles; a productive cough with frothy, bloody sputum; arrhythmias; cold, clammy, cyanotic skin; hypotension; and a thready pulse.
Pulmonary embolus
Diffuse, mild wheezing rarely occurs in this disorder, which is characterized by dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
In late stages, fibrosis causes wheezing. Common findings include a mild to severe productive cough with pleuritic chest pain and fine crackles, night sweats, anorexia, weight loss, fever, malaise, dyspnea, and fatigue. Examination reveals dullness on percussion, increased tactile fremitus, and amphoric breath sounds.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Infected individuals commonly develop wheezing and other symptoms within 4 to 6 days of exposure to this virus. Healthy adults and children older than age 3 usually have mild cases of RSV and experience wheezing along with other common cold-like symptoms of runny nose, cough, and low-grade fever. In children ages 3 and younger, high-pitched expiratory wheezing can accompany a severe cough, rapid breathing, and high-grade fever. RSV is the primary cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, who may develop pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Infection-control practices help prevent the spread of this virus, which can be inactivated by disinfectants or soap and water. A vaccine is being researched for this common condition that affects most children by age 2.
Thyroid goiter
This disorder may produce no symptoms, or it may cause wheezing, dysphagia, and respiratory difficulty related to a compressed airway.
Tracheobronchitis
Auscultation may detect wheezing, rhonchi, and crackles. The patient also has a cough, a slight fever, sudden chills, muscle and back pain, and substernal tightness.
Wegener’s granulomatosis
This disorder may cause mild to moderate wheezing if it compresses major airways. Other findings include a cough (possibly bloody), dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, hemorrhagic skin lesions, and progressive renal failure. Epistaxis and severe sinusitis are common.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Wheezing:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
Wheezing
❑ Asthma
❑ Reactive airways disease
❑ Pulmonary edema
❑ Pulmonary embolism
❑ Emphysema
❑ Gastroesophageal reflux
❑ Drug/toxin reaction
❑ Vocal cord dysfunction
❑ Foreign body aspiration
❑ Mediastinal mass
❑ Carcinoid syndrome
Stridor
❑ Mucus plug
❑ Laryngeal trauma
❑ Angioedema
❑ Acute epiglottitis
❑ Retropharyngeal abscess
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Wheezing:
Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Anaphylaxis
An allergic reaction, anaphylaxis can cause tracheal edema or bronchospasm, resulting in severe wheezing and stridor. Initial signs and symptoms include fright, weakness, sneezing, dyspnea, nasal pruritus, urticaria, erythema, and angioedema. Respiratory distress occurs with nasal flaring, accessory muscle use, and intercostal retractions. Other findings include nasal edema and congestion with profuse, watery rhinorrhea as well as chest or throat tightness and dysphagia. Cardiac effects include arrhythmias and hypotension.
Aspiration of a foreign body
Partial obstruction by a foreign body produces the sudden onset of wheezing and possibly stridor; a dry, paroxysmal cough; gagging; and hoarseness. Other findings include tachycardia, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds and, possibly, cyanosis. A retained foreign body may cause inflammation leading to fever, pain, and swelling.
Aspiration pneumonitis
With aspiration pneumonitis, wheezing may accompany tachypnea, marked dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, fever, a productive (eventually purulent) cough, and pink, frothy sputum.
Asthma
Wheezing is an initial and cardinal sign of asthma. It’s heard at the mouth during expiration. An initially dry cough later becomes productive with thick mucus. Other findings include apprehension, prolonged expiration, intercostal and supraclavicular retractions, rhonchi, accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, and tachypnea. Asthma also produces tachycardia, diaphoresis, and flushing or cyanosis.
Bronchial adenoma
An insidious disorder, bronchial adenoma produces unilateral, possibly severe wheezing. Common features are chronic cough and recurring hemoptysis. Symptoms of airway obstruction may occur later.
Bronchiectasis
Excessive mucus commonly causes intermittent and localized or diffuse wheezing. A copious, foul-smelling, mucopurulent cough is classic. It’s accompanied by hemoptysis, rhonchi, and coarse crackles. Weight loss, fatigue, weakness, exertional dyspnea, fever, malaise, halitosis, and late-stage clubbing may also occur.
Bronchitis (chronic)
Chronic bronchitis causes wheezing that varies in severity, location, and intensity. Associated findings include prolonged expiration, coarse crackles, scattered rhonchi, and a hacking cough that later becomes productive. Other effects include dyspnea, accessory muscle use, barrel chest, tachypnea, clubbing, edema, weight gain, and cyanosis.
Bronchogenic carcinoma
Obstruction may cause localized wheezing. Typical findings include a productive cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis (initially blood-tinged sputum, possibly leading to massive hemorrhage), anorexia, and weight loss. Upper extremity edema and chest pain may also occur.
Chemical pneumonitis (acute)
Mucosal injury causes increased secretions and edema, leading to wheezing, dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, malaise, fever, and a productive cough with purulent sputum. The patient may also have signs of conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and rhinitis.
Emphysema
Mild to moderate wheezing may occur with emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Related findings include dyspnea, tachypnea, diminished breath sounds, peripheral cyanosis, pursed-lip breathing, anorexia, and malaise. Accessory muscle use, barrel chest, a chronic productive cough, and clubbing may also occur.
Inhalation injury
Wheezing may eventually occur. Early findings include hoarseness and coughing, singed nasal hairs, orofacial burns, and soot-stained sputum. Later effects are crackles, rhonchi, and respiratory distress.
Pneumothorax (tension)
A life-threatening disorder, tension pneumothorax causes respiratory distress with possible wheezing, dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, and sudden, severe, sharp chest pain (commonly unilateral). Other findings include a dry cough, cyanosis, accessory muscle use, asymmetrical chest wall movement, anxiety, and restlessness. Examination reveals hyperresonance or tympany and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side, subcutaneous crepitation, decreased vocal fremitus, and tracheal deviation.
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis
Pulmonary coccidiodomycosis may cause wheezing and rhonchi along with cough, fever, chills, pleuritic chest pain, headache, weakness, malaise, anorexia, and a macular rash.
Pulmonary edema
Wheezing may occur with pulmonary edema, a life-threatening disorder. Other signs and symptoms include coughing, exertional and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and, later, orthopnea. Examination reveals tachycardia, tachypnea, dependent crackles, and a diastolic gallop. Severe pulmonary edema produces rapid, labored respirations and a productive cough with frothy, bloody sputum. The patient may also exhibit diffuse crackles, arrhythmias, hypotension, a thready pulse, and cold, clammy, cyanotic skin.
Pulmonary embolus
Rarely, diffuse, mild wheezing occurs in pulmonary embolus. The condition is characterized by dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
In late stages, fibrosis causes wheezing. Common findings include a mild to severe productive cough with pleuritic chest pain and fine crackles, night sweats, anorexia, weight loss, fever, malaise, dyspnea, and fatigue. Other features are dullness on percussion, increased tactile fremitus, and amphoric breath sounds.
Thyroid goiter
Thyroid goiter may be asymptomatic, or it may cause wheezing, dysphagia, and respiratory difficulty related to a compressed airway.
Tracheobronchitis
Auscultation may detect wheezing, rhonchi, and crackles. The patient also has cough, slight fever, sudden chills, muscle and back pain, and substernal tightness.
Wegener’s granulomatosis
Wegener’s granulomatosis may cause mild to moderate wheezing if it compresses major airways. Other findings include cough (possibly bloody), dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, hemorrhagic skin lesions, and progressive renal failure. Epistaxis and severe sinusitis are common.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Wheezing:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can cause tracheal edema or bronchospasm, resulting in severe wheezing and stridor. Initial signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include fright, weakness, sneezing, dyspnea, nasal pruritus, urticaria, erythema, and angioedema. Respiratory distress occurs with nasal flaring, accessory muscle use, and intercostal retractions. Other findings include nasal edema and congestion; profuse, watery rhinorrhea; chest or throat tightness; and dysphagia. Cardiac effects include arrhythmias and hypotension.
Aspiration of a foreign body
Partial obstruction by a foreign body produces sudden onset of wheezing and possibly stridor; a dry, paroxysmal cough; gagging; and hoarseness. Other findings include tachycardia, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds, and possibly cyanosis. A retained foreign body may cause inflammation leading to fever, pain, and swelling.
Aspiration pneumonitis
With aspiration pneumonitis, wheezing may accompany tachypnea, marked dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, fever, productive (eventually purulent) cough, and pink, frothy sputum.
Asthma
Wheezing is an initial and cardinal sign of asthma. It’s heard at the mouth during expiration. An initially dry cough later becomes productive with thick mucus. Other findings include apprehension, prolonged expiration, intercostal and supraclavicular retractions, rhonchi, accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, and tachypnea. Asthma also produces tachycardia, diaphoresis, and flushing or cyanosis.
Bronchial adenoma
Bronchial adenoma is an insidious disorder that produces unilateral, possibly severe wheezing. Common features are chronic cough and recurring hemoptysis. Symptoms of airway obstruction may occur later.
Bronchiectasis
With bronchiectasis, excessive mucus commonly causes intermittent and localized or diffuse wheezing. A copious, foul-smelling, mucopurulent cough is classic. The cough is accompanied by hemoptysis, rhonchi, and coarse crackles. Weight loss, fatigue, weakness, exertional dyspnea, fever, malaise, halitosis, and late-stage clubbing may also occur.
Bronchitis (chronic)
Chronic bronchitis causes wheezing that varies in severity, location, and intensity. Associated findings include prolonged expiration, coarse crackles, scattered rhonchi, and a hacking cough that later becomes productive. Other effects include dyspnea, accessory muscle use, barrel chest, tachypnea, clubbing, edema, weight gain, and cyanosis.
Bronchogenic carcinoma
Obstruction from bronchogenic carcinoma may cause localized wheezing. Typical findings include a productive cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis (initially blood-tinged sputum, possibly leading to massive hemorrhage), anorexia, and weight loss. Upper extremity edema and chest pain may also occur.
Chemical pneumonitis (acute)
With acute chemical pneumonitis, mucosal injury causes increased secretions and edema, leading to wheezing, dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, malaise, fever, and a productive cough with purulent sputum. The patient may also have signs of conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and rhinitis.
Emphysema
Mild to moderate wheezing may occur with emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Related findings include dyspnea, malaise, tachypnea, diminished breath sounds, peripheral cyanosis, pursed-lip breathing, anorexia, and malaise. Accessory muscle use, barrel chest, a chronic productive cough, and clubbing may also occur.
Inhalation injury
Wheezing may eventually occur with inhalation injury. Early findings include hoarseness and coughing, singed nasal hairs, orofacial burns, and soot-stained sputum. Later effects are crackles, rhonchi, and respiratory distress.
Pneumothorax (tension)
Tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening disorder, causes respiratory distress with possible wheezing, dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, and sudden, severe, sharp chest pain (often unilateral). Other findings include a dry cough, cyanosis, accessory muscle use, asymmetrical chest wall movement, anxiety, and restlessness. Examination reveals hyperresonance or tympany and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side, subcutaneous crepitation, decreased vocal fremitus, and tracheal deviation.
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis may cause wheezing and rhonchi along with cough, fever, chills, pleuritic chest pain, headache, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, backache, malaise, anorexia, and an itchy, macular rash.
Pulmonary edema
Wheezing may occur with pulmonary edema , a life-threatening disorder. Other signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema include coughing, exertional and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and, later, orthopnea. Examination reveals tachycardia, tachypnea, dependent crackles, and a diastolic gallop. Severe pulmonary edema produces rapid, labored respirations; diffuse crackles; a productive cough with frothy, bloody sputum; arrhythmias; cold, clammy, cyanotic skin; hypotension; and thready pulse.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
In late stages, fibrosis causes wheezing. Common findings include a mild to severe productive cough with pleuritic chest pain and fine crackles, night sweats, anorexia, weight loss, fever, malaise, dyspnea, and fatigue. Other features are dullness to percussion, increased tactile fremitus, and amphoric breath sounds.
CULTURAL CUE:Those living in Appalachian regions have a 50% higher mortality from tuberculosis than the national average. They also have a higher incidence of pneumonia, influenza, and black lung disease. The higher rate of respiratory tract diseases may be related to the high-risk occupations of the region, such as those in the mining, timber, and textile industries.
Thyroid goiter
Thyroid goiter may not produce symptoms, or it may cause wheezing, dysphagia, and respiratory difficulty related to a compressed airway. The neck will appear swollen and distended.
Tracheobronchitis
Auscultation of the patient with tracheobronchitis may detect wheezing, rhonchi, and moist or coarse crackles. The patient also has a cough, slight fever, sudden chills, muscle and back pain, and substernal tightness.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Wheezing:
Principal Causes of Wheezing
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
- Foreign body
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Cardiac failure
- Bronchial obstruction
- Anaphylaxis
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Psychogenic
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis can cause tracheal edema or bronchospasm, resulting in severe wheezing and stridor. Initial signs and symptoms include fright, weakness, sneezing, dyspnea, nasal pruritus, urticaria, erythema, and angioedema. Respiratory distress occurs with nasal flaring, accessory muscle use, and intercostal retractions. Other findings include nasal edema and congestion; profuse, watery rhinorrhea; chest or throat tightness; and dysphagia. Cardiac effects include arrhythmias and hypotension.
Aspiration pneumonitis.With aspiration pneumonitis, wheezing may accompany tachypnea, marked dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, fever, productive (eventually purulent) cough, and pink, frothy sputum.
Asthma.Wheezing is an initial and cardinal sign of asthma. It's heard at the mouth during expiration. An initially dry cough later becomes productive with thick mucus. Other findings include apprehension, prolonged expiration, intercostal and supraclavicular retractions, rhonchi, accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, and tachypnea. Asthma also produces tachycardia, diaphoresis, and flushing or cyanosis.
Blast lung injury.Wheezing is a common symptom of blast lung injury, which is characterized by hypoxia and respiratory difficulty. The forceful blast wave that follows an explosive detonation can cause serious lung injury, including hemorrhage, contusion, edema, and tearing. In addition to wheezing, patients may exhibit chest pain, dyspnea, cyanosis, and hemoptysis. The diagnosis is confirmed by chest X-rays that show a classic “butterfly” pattern.
Bronchial adenoma.Bronchial adenoma produces unilateral, possibly severe wheezing. Common features are chronic cough and recurring hemoptysis. Symptoms of airway obstruction may occur later.
Bronchiectasis.With bronchiectasis, excessive mucus commonly causes intermittent and localized or diffuse wheezing. A copious, foul-smelling, mucopurulent cough is classic. It's accompanied by hemoptysis, rhonchi, and coarse crackles. Weight loss, fatigue, weakness, exertional dyspnea, fever, malaise, halitosis, and late-stage clubbing may also occur.
Bronchitis (chronic).Bronchitis causes wheezing that varies in severity, location, and intensity. Associated findings include prolonged expiration, coarse crackles, scattered rhonchi, and a hacking cough that later becomes productive. Other effects include dyspnea, accessory muscle use, barrel chest, tachypnea, clubbing, edema, weight gain, and cyanosis.
Bronchogenic carcinoma.Obstruction from bronchogenic carcinoma may cause localized wheezing. Typical findings include a productive cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis (initially blood-tinged sputum, possibly leading to massive hemorrhage), anorexia, and weight loss. Upper extremity edema and chest pain may also occur.
Emphysema.Mild to moderate wheezing may occur with emphysema. Related findings include dyspnea, tachypnea, diminished breath sounds, peripheral cyanosis, pursed-lip breathing, anorexia, and malaise. Accessory muscle use, barrel chest, a chronic productive cough, and clubbing may also occur.
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis may cause wheezing and rhonchi along with cough, fever, chills, pleuritic chest pain, headache, weakness, malaise, anorexia, and macular rash.
Pulmonary edema.Wheezing may occur with pulmonary edema, a life-threatening disorder. Other signs and symptoms include coughing, exertional and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and, later, orthopnea. Examination reveals tachycardia, tachypnea, dependent crackles, and a diastolic gallop. Severe pulmonary edema produces rapid, labored respirations; diffuse crackles; a productive cough with frothy, bloody sputum; arrhythmias; cold, clammy, cyanotic skin; hypotension; and thready pulse.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).Individuals infected with RSV commonly develop wheezing and other symptoms within 4 to 6 days of exposure to this virus. Healthy adults and children older than age 3 usually have mild cases of RSV and experience wheezing along with other common cold-like symptoms of runny nose, cough, and low-grade fever. In children ages 3 and younger, high-pitched expiratory wheezing can accompany a severe cough, rapid breathing, and high-grade fever.
Tracheobronchitis.With tracheobronchitis, auscultation may detect wheezing, rhonchi, and crackles. The patient also has a cough, slight fever, sudden chills, muscle and back pain, and substernal tightness.
Wegener's granulomatosis.Wegener's granulomatosis may cause mild to moderate wheezing if it compresses major airways. Other findings include a cough (possibly bloody), dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, hemorrhagic skin lesions, and progressive renal failure. Epistaxis and severe sinusitis are common.
Other causes
Foreign body aspiration. Partial obstruction by a foreign body produces sudden onset of wheezing and possibly stridor; a dry, paroxysmal cough; gagging; and hoarseness. Other findings include tachycardia, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds and, possibly, cyanosis. A retained foreign body may cause inflammation leading to fever, pain, and swelling.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Premature Thelarche:
Premature Thelarche - pathophysiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
- Transient increases in follicle-stimulating hormone levels causing follicular ovarian development
- Low levels of estrogen secretion by normal follicular cysts
- Increased sensitivity of breast tissue to low levels of estrogen
Premature Thelarche - etiology
Intermittent estrogen secretion by ovarian cysts or environmental sources of estrogen
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
Asthma strikes a surprisingly large number of Americans. For some it is a nuisance, to others it can be serious. Listen to experts talk about the...
Carcinoid disease is sometimes called "cancer in slow motion" because it can lurk in the body for decades. Learn how carcinoid tumors are different...
Irene used to get red-faced at parties. But it wasn't until her doctor made the connection between her irregular periods and her flushing that...
Turning red at a party can mean you've had one drink too many. But flushing is sometimes a sign of carcinoid disease. Learn about these...
See full list of 12 related videos
» Next page: Symptoms of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
