Understanding Abnormal Lung Sounds

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Types of Abnormal Lung Sounds

Wheezes

• Characteristics:
  • High-pitched, musical sound.
  • Continuous nature.
  • Heard during both inspiration and expiration.
• Cause: Airways are narrowed.

Stridor

• Characteristics:
  • High-pitched wheezing sound.
  • Most commonly occurs during inspiration.
• Cause: Blockage of airflow in the larynx or trachea.

Crackles

• Types:
  • Fine Crackles:
    • Can be cleared by coughing.
    • Sound like hair moving through fingers.
  • Coarse Crackles:
    • Wet, bubbling sound.
• Nature: Intermittent or brief.

Rhonchi

• Characteristics:
  • Continuous low-pitched sounds.
  • Heard during both inspiration and expiration.
  • Can be cleared with a cough.
  • Sound like snoring.
• Cause: Narrowed airway.

Pleural Friction Rub

• Characteristics:
  • Harsh, leathery sound.
  • Similar to the sound of walking through fresh snow.
• Cause: Inflammation of the pleura.
• Nature: Can be continuous or intermittent, heard during both inspiration and expiration.

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