5 little known causes of non-asthmatic wheezing

Wheezing isn't reserved for people with asthma. Allergens, strong odours, medical problems and medications are all to blame for non-asthmatic wheezing. Most commonly, people without a history of asthma may experience wheezing when encountering these five causes.

• Have you ever started sweeping or dusting and suddenly began sneezing, coughing or wheezing? Well, if you have, you're not alone.
• Each day, millions of Canadians suffer from dust allergies caused by a buildup of household or workplace dust.
• This dust contains dander from animals and humans as well as dust mites, which seem to trigger these symptoms.
• If you have dust allergies, you may have noticed a high pitched whistling sound when you inhale soon after cleaning your house.
• This is often followed by coughing, itchy skin and sneezing. To avoid these symptoms, wear a dust mask and cleaning gloves when dusting.
• Keeping the windows and doors open when cleaning may help as well.

• Household cleaning products that contain fragrance or bleach may cause respiratory and esophageal irritation.
• While most people are content with using products, some develop uncomfortable wheezing and shortness of breath when using them.
• There are three causes for this:allergic reaction, misuse and sensitivity.
• People who are sensitive to certain chemicals may develop wheezing when using any product containing the irritant.
• The same goes for people who have allergies to the ingredients. People with allergies or sensitivities to the chemicals used in products should steer clear.
• If you don't have an allergy or sensitivity and you experience wheezing around cleaning products, you may be misusing them.
• Read the directions and warnings carefully. Many products call for proper ventilation and the use of protective gear.
• Make sure to measure the products according to the instructions and use them as intended.

• Acid reflux, often called heartburn, occurs when acid or undigested foods back up into the esophagus from the stomach.
• There are many causes for acid reflux, but the most common are: laying down too soon after eating or eating foods that don't agree with your stomach.
• These foods are often acidic in nature and are easily overeaten. When the stomach is distended too much, the barrier between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) may not close fast enough.
• This allows the food/acid to escape back into the esophagus causing a burning sensation, belching, coughing and wheezing.
• It's important to keep track of wheezing after eating by writing down the foods that triggered it.
• You may have an allergy to this food. Also, see your doctor if you experience any kind of wheezing after a meal.

• Fragrances that are strong cause people to wheeze and cough.
• Some of this may be due to the strength of the fragrance or oils used in these colognes and perfumes.
• However, people with seasonal allergies may experience symptoms like runny nose, sneezing or itchy throat if they're close to fragrances derived from flowers or herbs.
• Before purchasing a perfume or cologne, check the ingredients to make certain there aren't any allergens in them.
• Cheaper fragrances that contain a lot of alcohol can set off wheezing in people with sensitivity to strong fumes.

• Air conditioners are designed to suck in air from the outside, circulate it, cool it, then push it into a home or building. Once the air is taken into the unit, it passes through a fan and filter.
• Most people don't think of cleaning an air conditioner filter, since it has such a long life span and because it's hidden within the unit.

During seasons of high-pollen, dirt, dust and pollen may clog up the filter. When the air conditioner is turned back on, these pollutants are blown through the top vent or the front vents and into the house. This can cause wheezing in those with pollen or dust allergies. To avoid this, have a professional open your A/C unit and clean or replace the filter each summer, or as necessary.