88 year old with asthma and copd was given a duoneb jet nebulizer treatment, prior to tx, crackles in the left lung field, clear on the right, after treatment , audible expiratory wheezing and upper airway(nasal) wheezing. why is there wheezing ?

If the airways were completely shut down, there would be no airflow and thus no wheezing. But, when the airways begin to open and they are partly open, there is now some airflow so wheezing then occurs. Wheezing in this case is an improvement signaling some air flow where before there was none. Hope she is feeling better. Good luck!!

An inhaled or oral steroid may be helpful if the duoneb is not fully resolving the condition. Watch for signs of shortness of breath and see a physician for signs of respiratory difficulty.