Wheezing:
* Sound: A high-pitched, whistling sound, often described as a "wheezing" or "whistling" noise.
* Cause: Narrowing of the airways, often due to:
* Asthma: Inflammation and constriction of the bronchioles (small airways).
* Bronchitis: Inflammation of the lining of the bronchi (larger airways).
* Foreign object obstruction: Something blocking the airway.
* Where heard: Usually heard during both inspiration (breathing in) and expiration (breathing out), but often louder during expiration.
* Location: Can be heard in various locations depending on the level of obstruction in the airways.
Rhonchi:
* Sound: A low-pitched, rumbling, or snoring sound.
* Cause: Secretions (mucus) in the larger airways, such as the bronchi, are obstructing airflow.
* Where heard: Usually heard during both inspiration and expiration, but often louder during expiration.
* Location: Typically heard over the chest, but the location can vary depending on where the mucus is obstructing the airway.
Stridor:
* Sound: A high-pitched, harsh, crowing sound, often heard during inspiration.
* Cause: Obstruction in the upper airway, often due to:
* Croup: A viral infection causing swelling in the larynx and trachea.
* Epiglottitis: A bacterial infection causing inflammation of the epiglottis.
* Foreign object obstruction: Something blocking the upper airway.
* Where heard: Primarily heard during inspiration, often described as a "crowing" or "barking" sound.
* Location: Heard mainly in the neck area, but can be heard in the chest if the obstruction is lower down.
Crackles (also called Rales):
* Sound: Short, crackling, or popping sounds, often described as "like walking on snow."
* Cause: Fluid in the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) or inflammation of the alveoli.
* Where heard: Typically heard during inspiration, but can be heard during expiration.
* Location: Heard in different parts of the lungs depending on the location of the fluid or inflammation.
Summary Table:
| Sound | Description | Cause | Heard during | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheezing | High-pitched, whistling sound | Narrowed airways | Inspiration and expiration | Various |
| Rhonchi | Low-pitched, rumbling, or snoring sound | Mucus in larger airways | Inspiration and expiration | Chest |
| Stridor | High-pitched, harsh, crowing sound | Upper airway obstruction | Inspiration | Neck |
| Crackles (Rales) | Short, crackling, or popping sound | Fluid or inflammation in alveoli | Inspiration | Various |
Important Note: These sounds are not always easy to distinguish, and they can sometimes be combined. If you are experiencing any unusual lung sounds, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.