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Breath sounds Considerations:
The lung sounds are usually examined by listening with a stethoscope.
Normal lung sounds occur in all parts of the chest area, including above the collarbones and as low as the bottom of the rib cage. When listening to the lungs, the categories of findings include normal breath sounds, decreased or absent breath sounds, and abnormal breath sounds.
Absent or decreased sounds are inaudible (absent) or reduced in loudness (decreased) when the lungs are examined with a stethoscope. They reflect reduced airflow to a portion (segment) of the lungs, over inflation of a portion of the lungs (such as with emphysema ), air or fluid around the lungs, or sometimes 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 a portion of the lung. They occur when air moves through fluid-filled airways. Rales are further described as moist, dry, whistling, fine, coarse, or other descriptions.
Rhonchi are sounds with a loud, low, coarser sound. They may be further described as musical, groaning, snoring , and so on. They are produced when the larger airways are filled with fluid.
Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds produced by narrowed airways, occurring during expiration.
Common Causes:
Note: See also wheezing .
Note: There may be other causes of abnormal breath sounds. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for abnormal breath sounds, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
Home Care:
Consult your health care provider.
Call Your Healthcare Provider If:
What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting an abnormal lung sound in detail may include: - time pattern
- When did it start?
- How long did it last?
- Is there a pattern to the occurrences?
- quality
- How would you describe it?
- relieving factors
- aggravating factors
- other
Note: Abnormal breath sounds are usually discovered by the health care provider, and the affected person may or may not have been aware of its presence.
The physical examination will include careful assessment of the lungs and breathing.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: Interventions:
Treatment may include increasing or decreasing fluid intake, humidifying the air to liquefy secretions, various medications (depending on the cause), and respiratory therapy measures. The treatment depends on the underlying cause of the unusual lung sounds.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to abnormal breath sounds to your personal medical record.
This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
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