In this article, you will learn the unique sound characteristics of abnormal breath sounds for both discontinuous and continuous sounds. In addition, you will learn the description of each abnormal sound and how they sound.
In the previous reviews, I discussed normal breath sounds and how to auscultate the lungs that includes the landmark points and auscultation sites.
Once you are done reviewing this material, don’t forget to take the lung sounds quiz that includes your ability to audibly identify normal and abnormal breath sounds.
Abnormal Lung Sounds Audio
Discontinuous Lung Sounds:
These are extra sounds heard LESS than 0.2 seconds during a full respiration cycle.
Coarse Crackles:
Crackles are also known as: rales
- Auscultated during inspiration and can extend into expiration as well
- Low-pitched, wet bubbling sound
- May be heard in patient with fluid overload, pneumonia etc.
Fine Crackles:
Crackles are also known as: rales
- Auscultated during inspiration (DON’T CLEAR with COUGHING)
- High-pitched, crackling sound that is similar to a fire crackling
- May be heard in patients with edema in the lungs or ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).
Pleural Friction Rub:
- Auscultated during inspiration and expiration
- Low-pitched/harsh grating sound
- Patients may have pain when breathing in and out due to inflammation of pleural layers
- May be heard in patients with pleuritis
Continuous Lung Sounds:
These are extra sounds heard MORE than 0.2 second during a full respiration cycle
High Pitched, Polyphonic Wheeze
Also known as: Sibilant Wheeze
- Auscultated mainly in expiration but may be present during inspiration
- Sounds like a high-pitched musical instrument with MORE than one type of sound quality
- May be heard in patients with asthma
Low-pitched, Monophonic Wheeze
Also known as: Sonorous Wheeze or Rhonchi
- Auscultated mainly in expiration but may be present at anytime
- Sounds like a low-pitched whistling tune or whine with ONE type of sound quality
- May be heard in patients with COPD or pneumonia etc.
Stridor
- Auscultated during inspiration
- high-pitched whistling or gasping sound with harsh sound quality
- May be seen in children with conditions such as croup or epiglottitis or anyone with an airway obstruction etc.
More Lung Sound Reviews