lung sunds

Vesicular

soft low pitched heard over most of lung fields

vesicular is

normal peripheral lung

Bronchial

Loud, high-pitched; heard over the trachea

bronchial is

normal only over the trachea

Bronchovesicular

Medium pitch; upper anterior chest and intercostal areas

bronchovesicular is

Normal over the mainstem bronchi

Crackles

f

Intermttent popping or crackling (like hair rubbed by the ear)

crakles are

Pneumonia, heart failure,

pulmonary edema, COPD,

atelectasis

wheezes

Continuous, musical, high-pitched w

histling (sibilant), usually

on expiration. A

ir passing through narrowed air

ways.

wheezes show

Asthma, bronchospasm, COPD

rhonchi

Low-pitched snoring or gurgling (sonorous).

rhonci is

Partial obstruction by secretions. Often clears with coughing.

rhonchi shows

Bronchitis, pneumonia, secretions

→ cough or suction

Diminished / absent

Faint or no air movement over an area

Diminished / absent is

atelectasis, pleural effusion,

pneumothorax, severe asthma,

shallow breathing

stridor

High-pitched crowing on inspiration, heard without a

stethoscope

stridor is

Upper air

way obstruction →

EMERGENCY

Pleural friction

rub

grating or leathery sound; painful

Pleural friction

rub

inflamed pleura (pleurisy)