14 causes of wheezing—and how to treat it

2. Acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is a viral infection that inflames the bronchial tubes, which are the tubes that move air in and out of your lungs. In addition to wheezing, bronchitis can cause increased phlegm, chest tightness, a cough, fever, and chills. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which is long lasting, acute bronchitis generally comes on suddenly and runs its course in a few days to a couple of weeks.