Abnormal Breath Sounds

Question 1

Crackles (rales)

Answer 1

-Clicking, rattling and cracking sounds heard during inhalation
-fine or course
-caused by fluid in airways or interstitial lung disease

Question 2

Wheezing

Answer 2

-High pitched/ whistling sounds heard during exhalation
-narrowed airways
-caused by asthma, bronchitis or foreign body obstruction

Question 3

Stridor

Answer 3

-high pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration
-caused by blockage in the upper airways, such as larynx or trachea

Question 4

Ronchi

Answer 4

-Low pitched, rumbling or snoring sounds heard during exhalation
-often caused by mucus or secretions in the airways

Question 5

Pleural rub

Answer 5

-grafting or rubbing sound heard during both inhalation and exhalation

-caused by inflammation of the pleura (lining id the lungs and chest cavity)

Question 6

Diminished or absent breath sounds

Answer 6

Can indicate:
-pneumothorax, (collapsed lung)
-Atelectasis (lung collapse)
-pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the chest cavity)