Breath sounds
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Definition
Breath sounds are the noises produced by the structures of the lungs during breathing.
See also: Wheezing
Alternative Names
Lung sounds; Breathing sounds
Considerations
The lung sounds are best heard with a stethoscope. This is called auscultation.
Normal lung sounds occur in all parts of the chest area, including above the collarbones and at the bottom of the rib cage. Using a stethoscope, the doctor may hear normal breath sounds, decreased or absent breath sounds, and abnormal breath sounds.
Absent or decreased sounds can mean:
Increased thickness of the chest wall
Over-inflation of a part of the lungs (emphysema can cause this)
Reduced airflow to part of the lungs
There are several types of abnormal breath sounds. The 4 most common are:
Rales
Rhonchi
Stridor
Wheezing
Rales are small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung. They are believed to occur when air opens closed air spaces. Rales can be further described as moist, dry, fine, and coarse.
Rhonchi are sounds that resemble snoring. They occur when air is blocked or becomes rough through the large airways.
Wheezes are high-pitched sounds produced by narrowed airways. They can be heard when a person breathes out (exhales). Wheezing and other abnormal sounds can sometimes be heard without a stethoscope.
Stridor is a wheeze-like sound heard when a person breathes. Usually it is due to a blockage of airflow in the windpipe (trachea) or in the back of the throat.
Common Causes
Review Date: 2/23/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine (11/2/2009).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Lung sounds; Breathing sounds
Call your health care provider if
Nasal flaring and cyanosis are emergency symptoms. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can be an emergency condition. Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms.
Contact your health care provider if you have wheezing or other abnormal breathing sounds.
See also: Breathing difficulty
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history and your breathing.
Questions may include:
- When did the breathing sound start?
- How long did it last?
- How would you describe your breathing?
- What makes it better or worse?
- What other symptoms do you have?
The health care provider usually discovers abnormal breath sounds. You may not even notice them.
The following tests may be done:
Review Date: 2/23/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine (11/2/2009).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 2/23/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine (11/2/2009).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.