practical lung sounds

What does a wheeze indicate?

Airway is squeezed/narrowed (obstruction)

When is a wheeze heard?

Mostly expiration (EX)

What does a wheeze sound like?

Musical whistle

Common causes of wheezes?

Asthma, bronchospasm, airway secretions

You hear a whistle on expiration in a patient with asthma. What is it?

Wheeze

What do crackles indicate?

Closed airways/fluid popping open

When are crackles heard?

Mostly inspiration (IN)

What do crackles sound like?

Popping, bubbles bursting, Velcro

Common causes of crackles?

CHF, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, atelectasis

You hear popping sounds at the lung bases in a patient with heart failure. What is it?

Crackles

What does a pleural rub indicate?

Inflamed pleura rubbing together

When is a pleural rub heard?

Inspiration AND expiration

What does a pleural rub sound like?

Sandpaper or leather rubbing

Common cause of pleural rub?

Pleuritis/pleural inflammation

You hear a sandpaper sound that persists through both phases of breathing. What is it?

Pleural rub