What are the characteristics of wheezing in terms of airflow?

Wheezing is characterized by a high-pitched sound that occurs during expiration, which indicates narrowed airways. This sound results from turbulent airflow as air passes through constricted bronchial passages. Conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or anaphylaxis can lead to airway narrowing, making it difficult for air to flow freely. The high-pitched nature of wheezing serves as a clinical sign of this impairment in airflow. Recognizing wheezing can prompt further assessment and intervention, making it an essential aspect of respiratory evaluation.

In contrast, low-pitched sounds during inspiration or continuous sounds during normal breathing would not correctly describe wheezing, as these do not reflect the discrete, high-pitched quality associated with compromised expiratory airflow. Additionally, sounds resembling snoring are typically indicative of a different condition involving larger airways, not the narrowed airways that cause wheezing.