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Breath sounds
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Wheezes | High pitched whistling sound heard on inspiration or expiration caused by constriction in airways due to inflammation or obstruction. (Asthma, COPD) |
| Rhonchi | Low pitched heard on expiration may clear w/cough, caused by secretions in larger airways gurgling/rattling/snoring. (Pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, CHF, COPD) |
| Crackles (Rales) | Caused by fluid in smaller airways does not clear W/cough heard on different phases of inspiration. (Wood burning,velcro opening, snap crackle pop)[CHF,INFECTION, PNEUMONIA,ATELECTASIS,PULMONARY EDEMA] |
| Plural Rubs | Creaking or grating sounds like walking in deep snow, inflamed pleural spaces rub together, stops if hold breath |
| Stridor | Loud increase pitched weeping on inspiration usually heard without stethoscope. |
| Diminished | no sounds |
| Vesicular (Normal) | Can be vesicular and diminished |