What is the initial action required for treating wheezes?

The initial action required for treating wheezes is the use of bronchodilators. Wheezes are often indicative of bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways, which can occur in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bronchodilators work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, which helps to open them up and improve airflow. This leads to a reduction in wheezing and improves breathing.

In contrast, antibiotics may be used to treat infections that could lead to wheezing, but they are not an immediate treatment for the wheezing itself. Intubation is a more invasive procedure typically reserved for severe respiratory failure when other interventions have failed, and chest physiotherapy is primarily aimed at helping to clear secretions rather than directly addressing the airway constriction causing wheezing. Therefore, the immediate and effective choice for addressing wheezes is the administration of bronchodilators.