31/03/2026
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Abnormal lung sounds (also called adventitious breath sounds) are extra or unusual sounds heard during auscultation with a stethoscope. They usually indicate underlying respiratory pathology.
Quick Clinical Summary
• Crackles → fluid in lungs
• Wheeze → narrowed airways
• Rhonchi → mucus in airways
• Stridor → upper airway obstruction (emergency)
• Pleural rub → inflamed pleura
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🔊 Types of Abnormal Lung Sounds
1. Crackles (Rales)
Description:
• Discontinuous, popping sounds
• Heard mainly during inspiration
Types:
• Fine crackles: soft, high-pitched
• Coarse crackles: louder, lower-pitched
Causes:
• Pulmonary edema
• Pneumonia
• Fibrosis
👉 Mechanism: air passing through fluid or collapsed alveoli reopening
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2. Wheeze
Description:
• Continuous, musical, high-pitched sound
• Usually heard on expiration
Causes:
• Asthma
• COPD
• Bronchospasm
👉 Mechanism: airflow through narrowed airways
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3. Rhonchi
Description:
• Low-pitched, snoring/gurgling sound
• May clear after coughing
Causes:
• Bronchitis
• Airway secretions
👉 Mechanism: airflow through mucus-filled airways
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4. Stridor
Description:
• Harsh, high-pitched sound
• Heard mainly during inspiration
Causes:
• Upper airway obstruction
• Foreign body
• Croup
⚠️ Clinical significance: medical emergency
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5. Pleural Friction Rub
Description:
• Grating, creaking sound (like walking on snow)
• Heard during both inspiration and expiration
Causes:
• Pleurisy
• Pulmonary embolism
👉 Mechanism: inflamed pleural layers rubbing together
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🧠 Quick Clinical Summary
• Crackles → fluid in lungs
• Wheeze → narrowed airways
• Rhonchi → mucus in airways
• Stridor → upper airway obstruction (emergency)
• Pleural rub → inflamed pleura
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📚 These abnormal sounds are key findings during respiratory assessment and help clinicians identify conditions such as infection, airway obstruction, or fluid accumulation.