Hi Christi,
When our oldest daughter (no CF) had a full blown asthma attack at the age of four, the doctors at the hospital taught us how to identify true wheezing. A true wheeze can often be felt if you rest your hand on your child's back. You can feel the vibration upon their exhalation. If you feel that vibration pretty strongly, most likely the wheeze is pretty severe.
They also taught us how to listen for a wheeze. The best way is to use a stethoscope. A normal breath sounds like a smooth blowing of wind, both inhalation and exhalation. A wheeze is evident when you hear a whistling sound (often high pitched) at the end of an exhalation. If the wheezing is particularly bad you might hear the high pitch at the end of inhalation AND exhalation. You can also listen to a strong wheeze with your ear resting on your child's back. You will actually hear the high pitch (wheeze) at the end of his breath.
I'm not advocating for all parents to go out and get a stethoscope. (If you have a hospital stay, you can ask to take the stethoscope used in your child's room, they usually bill it anyway, and it is usually thrown out.) However, if your child has a lot of respiratory issues as ours do (asthma and CF). It's good to educate yourself on what to listen for.
My daughter who does have CF will sometimes sound terrible. Loud breathing, runny nose, etc. but when I listen to her lungs they are clear. Then I know that it's just an upper respiratory thing. (Unfortunately, that usually leads to a lower respiratory thing!!)
Good Luck!
Maria (mom to three daughters, the youngest, Samantha, w/cf)
