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Alternative names Return to top
Lung sounds; Breathing soundsDefinition Return to top
Breath sounds are the sounds produced by the structures of the lungs during breathing.Considerations Return to top
The lung sounds are usually examined by auscultation (listening) with a stethoscope.
Normal lung sounds occur in all parts of the chest area, including above the collarbones and at the bottom of the rib cage. Auscultation may find normal breath sounds, decreased or absent breath sounds, and abnormal breath sounds.
Absent or decreased sounds reflect reduced airflow to a portion of the lungs, over-inflation of a portion of the lungs (such as with emphysema), air or fluid around the lungs, or increased thickness of the chest wall.
There are several types of abnormal breath sounds: rales, rhonchi, and wheezes are the most common. Wheezing can sometimes be heard without a stethoscope, and other abnormal sounds are sometimes also loud enough to be detected with the unaided ear.
Rales (crackles or crepitations) are small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung. They are believed to occur when air opens closed alveoli (air spaces). Rales may be further described as moist, dry, fine, and coarse.
Rhonchi are sounds that resemble snoring. They are produced when air movement through the large airways is obstructed or turbulent.
Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds produced by narrowed airways, often occurring during expiration (breathing out).
Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
Health care measures that can be employed at home depend on the disease causing any abnormal breath sounds. Consult with your health care provider.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.Interventions:
Treatment will depend on the disease that is causing the abnormal breath sounds.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to abnormal breath sounds to your personal medical record.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |