The word "wheezes" is spelled with two "e"s and a "z" in the middle. The IPA phonetic transcription for "wheezes" is /ˈwiːzɪz/. The first two letters "w" and "e" correspond to the "wi" sound, while the "zee" sound is represented by the "z" and "e" at the end. The "s" at the end indicates that there are multiple instances of this sound. "Wheezes" refers to the whistling or rattling sound made while breathing, especially when experiencing difficulty breathing.
Wheezes are defined as high-pitched, whistling or rattling sounds produced during breathing. They are typically heard when there is a partial blockage or narrowing of the airways. Wheezes can occur during both inhalation and exhalation and are often a symptom of a respiratory condition or an underlying medical issue.
Wheezes are commonly associated with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergies. The narrowing of the air passages causes the air to flow through a smaller space, leading to turbulence and vibrations, resulting in the characteristic wheezing sound. Different individuals may experience different types of wheezes; some may be soft and barely audible, while others may be loud and easily noticeable.
The sound of wheezes can vary in pitch, intensity, and location within the chest. They are usually heard with a stethoscope during a physical examination or by the affected individual themselves. Wheezes can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
While wheezes are primarily a clinical sign, they may also serve as an indicator of the severity of a respiratory condition or the effectiveness of its treatment. Prompt medical attention is generally required if wheezes persist or worsen, as they may indicate worsening respiratory distress or the need for adjustments to the current treatment plan.
In summary, wheezes are high-pitched, whistling or rattling sounds heard during breathing, usually indicating a partial narrowing of the airways due to various respiratory conditions or medical issues.
The word "wheezes" is derived from the verb "wheeze".
The etymology of "wheeze" can be traced back to Middle English, where it originally appeared as "whees" or "wheese". This early form can be traced back to the Old English word "hwēsan", which meant "to whistle or hiss".
In turn, "hwēsan" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hwēsaną" and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kʷeh₁-", which had a similar meaning of "to wheeze or whisper".