Which condition could lead to wheezes in a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound produced by narrowed airways, which can occur during respiratory distress. Pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by excess fluid in the lungs, can lead to the narrowing of the airways as fluid accumulates. This fluid can impede airflow, resulting in wheezes as the person attempts to breathe.

The presence of pulmonary edema often reflects underlying heart issues or increased pressure in the lungs, exacerbating respiratory distress and leading to the characteristic sound of wheezing. Recognizing this condition's potential to cause wheezes is essential in identifying the underlying problems in patients experiencing respiratory distress.