Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are just some of the illnesses that commonly affect overweight people. Both adults and children who are overweight often experience difficulties breathing, sometimes producing a whistling sound known as wheezing. This occurs when airways are narrowed. Studies have shown that 70% of obese children often wheeze while breathing.
Advancements in technology and a focus on healthy living over the past 15 years have greatly improved our ability to monitor fitness and weight. Smart scales, for example, have become increasingly popular. Unlike traditional scales, smart scales provide detailed information such as body mass, fat mass, muscle mass, and hydration levels. They can be connected to a smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth, allowing easy tracking. Some models, like the FitTrack Smart Scale, even allow multiple users so that families can track their progress together and support each other’s health goals. For those who are overweight, a smart scale can be a great tool for monitoring and improving overall health.
Wheezing can often be triggered by cold weather or an upper respiratory infection (URI), conditions that typically don’t require a visit to the doctor. Drinking hot herbal tea or warm water can help clear mucus from the windpipe and ease breathing. Staying hydrated is key to treating congestion, and inhaling steam or moist air can have similar benefits. A home humidifier can also be useful, providing moisture to the air and benefiting skin health as well. Smart humidifiers are available with a range of features, and spending time in a steam room may also help clear airways.
People who are overweight frequently experience wheezing. A nutritious diet can significantly alleviate some breathing difficulties. Experts recommend a diet rich in vitamin C due to its protective benefits for the respiratory system. Foods such as spinach, bell peppers, oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C. While some people take vitamin C supplements, research suggests that consuming foods high in this vitamin is more effective.
Smoking is widely recognized as harmful to health, with many smokers experiencing difficulty breathing. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Though ex-smokers might initially feel worse after quitting, many report significant improvements in breathing within one month to a year. One helpful technique for easing breathing issues is pursed-lip breathing. To practice this, relax your shoulders and neck, breathe in slowly through your nose twice, then purse your lips as if you’re about to whistle and breathe out slowly four times. Repeat until breathing becomes more relaxed.
Wheezing can vary in severity. While it is often harmless, it can sometimes signal a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition. If a child frequently wheezes or has episodes of wheezing, it’s important to consult a doctor. Similarly, adults or children experiencing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, rapid breathing, or chest pain should seek medical advice.
Several factors can cause wheezing, including exercise and smoking. During a check-up, a doctor will likely ask about symptoms and possible triggers and may listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. They might also request a breathing test, especially if it’s been a while since your last lung evaluation. Conditions such as asthma, common worldwide, can contribute to breathing difficulties, with severity varying from person to person. Allergies to pollen, dust, or certain foods can also lead to wheezing. If you are on medication, inform your doctor, as some treatments can cause wheezing.