Intro To Lung Sounds

Wheeze - Expiratory Sounds

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Wheezes are adventitious lung sounds that are continuous with a musical quality. Wheezes can be high or low pitched. High pitched wheezes may have an auscultation sound similar to squeaking. Lower pitched wheezes have a snoring or moaning quality.

The proportion of the respiratory cycle occupied by the wheeze roughly corresponds to the degree of airway obstruction.

Wheezes are caused by narrowing of the airways.

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The recommended auscultation position for the stethoscope is the Chest wall position. For this sound, use stethoscope's Diaphragm.

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The recommended patient position is Sitting

Waveform

This waveform plots sound amplitude on the vertical axis against time on the horizontal axis.

Skin and Ribs

Blended View

Lungs

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Lessons

1	Vesicular - Normal
2	Wheeze - Expiratory
3	Pleural Rubs
4	Bronchophony - Healthy
5	Stridor

Practice Drill

Listening Tips
A synopsis of important sound features and timing for this abnormality.
Loud, musical and continuous sounds occurring in expiration. Heard over anterior, posterior and lateral chest walls.

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