wheeze [AS, hwesan, to hiss] , 1. a form of rhonchus, characterized by a high-pitched or low-pitched musical quality. It is caused by a high-velocity flow of air through a narrowed airway and is heard during both inspiration and expiration. It may be caused by bronchospasm, inflammation, or obstruction of the airway by a tumor or foreign body. Wheezes are associated with asthma and chronic bronchitis. Unilateral wheezes are characteristic of bronchogenic carcinoma, foreign bodies, and inflammatory lesions. In asthma, expiratory wheezing is more common, although inspiratory and expiratory wheezes are heard. 2. to breathe with a wheeze. Compare crackle, rhonchus.
