Whistling sound--does this warrant a vet visit?

[melliesmomma]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site. I've had my ball python Mellie since May. She is five years old-- I adopted her from Craigslist. She has always been very healthy--she eats well, has full sheds and is docile and friendly.
Tonight while I was holding her I heard what I can only describe as a "whistle" sound from her nose. It was pretty quiet, and I heard it around 4-5 times. I think she eventually stopped. She is back in her enclosure now, and I haven't heard the whistle--however, it might be because the sound is too quiet for me to hear.
She has no other signs of illness--she doesn't have any discharge and she ate a rat on Sunday. Her behavior is normal as well.
Do you think this whistle warrants a vet visit? Mellie's last shed was approximately one month and one week ago. I am so afraid she might have a respiratory infection. I do not have much money at all and it would be a huge financial strain, but she is worth it to me because I love her so much.
Thank you so much for the advice. I am so worried.

[ginja ninja]

She may be going into shed. It's very common for BPs to who make whistling sounds in the days just before a shed. I wouldn't worry about it. Just keep an eye on her.

[albinos_rule]

I think shed also, as long as your python isn't doing open mouth breathing, or doesn't have mucous from the nostrils, or mouth, which indicates RI.

[JimMills]

Agreed that it is likely that she is going into shed as others have stated. Just monitor it for any other signs of an infection.

[Skiploder]

Huh.

I've heard snakes whistle RIGHT before they actually shed their skins, you know -after they've come out of blue and their skin is obviously loose and crinkly.

Now I'd love to know the physiological mechanism that results in a snake making a whistling noise out of its nares BEFORE any signs of ecdysis.

What some snakes do, however, is make a whistling noise when they are irritated or stressed. This is a function of air being expelled at greater force. It is very common. It is more common than hearing whistling noises immediately proceeding the actual physical act if shedding.