Basics of Lung Sounds

Wheeze 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 Seated

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	Crackles - Fine (Rales)
3	Crackles - Coarse (Rales)
4	Wheeze
5	Rhonchi - Low Pitched Wheezes
6	Bronchial
7	Pleural Rubs
8	Bronchovesicular

Practice Drill

Listening Tips
A synopsis of important sound features and timing for this abnormality.
Wheezes are continuous, musical sounds, high or low pitched. Typically more pronounced on expiration.

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