A characteristic sign of asthma is wheezing, particularly when what occurs?

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing, particularly when air flows through narrowed airways. In the context of asthma, wheezing is most commonly associated with the act of exhaling. This is because during an asthma attack, the airway becomes inflamed and constricted, making it difficult for air to move out of the lungs efficiently. As a person exhales, the narrowed air passages can create turbulence in the airflow, resulting in the characteristic wheezing sound.

In asthma, although wheezing may sometimes be heard during inhalation, it is primarily recognized as a sign of difficulty exhaling due to the obstruction of the airflow. This detail is critical in identifying asthma attacks and understanding the respiratory distress experienced by individuals with asthma. Recognizing when wheezing occurs can inform appropriate treatment and management decisions.