Cough is a nonspecific reaction to irritation anywhere from the pharynx to the lungs. Cough can be divided into acute self-limiting cough, lasting less than 3 weeks, or chronic persistent cough, which usually lasts for more than 8 weeks. Cough lasting for an intermediate period of 3-8 weeks is called subacute cough. 1  Chronic cough lasting for more than 8 weeks is common in the community.
A wheeze (formally called sibilant rhonchi in medical terminology) is a continuous, coarse, whistling sound produced in the respiratory airways during breathing.For wheezes to occur, some part of the respiratory tree must be narrowed or obstructed, or airflow velocity within the respiratory tree must be heightened.he differential diagnosis of wheezing is wide, and the reason for wheezing in a given patient is determined by considering the characteristics of the wheezes and the historical and clinical findings made by the examining physician.
If a child is wheezing, and there are no obvious causes, such as a cold, seek medical advice. Seek medical advice about wheezing if: Wheezing is accompanied by a temperature of 38C (101F) or above. You may have a respiratory infection such as acute bronchitis, or pneumonia. Breathing is so difficult that you feel you are suffocating.