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Abnormal Lung Sounds
Adventitious sounds
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Crackles (rales) | intermittent, high-pitched, popping, and heard in distant areas of the lungs, primarily during inspiration. They resemble the sound of crisped rice cereal when milk is added. |
Gurgles (rhonchi) | low-pitched, continuous, bubbling, and heard in larger airways. They are more prominent during expiration. Can sound like wet snoring. May clear with deep breathing or coughing. |
Wheezes | whistling or squeaking sounds caused by air moving through a narrowed passage. They can be heard anywhere in the chest during inspiration or expiration. May be audible w/o a stethoscope. |
Pleural friction rubs | grating, leathery sounds caused by two dry pleural surfaces moving over each other. |