Breath Sounds Flashcards
What is the difference between wheeze and rhonchi?
Wheeze is higher pitched, rhonchi are lower pitched (due to larger airways involved in rhonchi)
What causes wheeze?
Narrowing of airways
When is wheeze most commonly heard?
Expiration
Can also occur on inspiration
What are crackles also known as?
Rales (use crackles nowadays)
What causes crackles?
Popping open of small airways and alveoli collapsed by fluid, exudate, or lack of aeration during expiration.
When do crackles most commonly occur?
Inspiration
What causes fine crackles most often?
Interstitial processes such as fibrosis or pulmonary oedema
What causes coarse crackles most often?
Airway disease e.g. bronchiectasis
Which last longer, fine or coarse crackles?
Coarse
What does pleural rub sound like?
Squeaking or grating
When does pleural rub occur?
Both inspiration and expiration (pleura are rubbing together during both)
What causes pleural rub?
Non-lubricated pleura rubbing
