Basics of Lung Sounds

Rhonchi - Low Pitched Wheezes Sounds

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Low pitched wheezes (rhonchi) are continuous, both inspiratory and expiratory, low pitched adventitious lung sounds that are similar to wheezes. They often have a snoring, gurgling or rattle-like quality.

Rhonchi occur in the bronchi. Sounds defined as rhonchi are heard in the chest wall where bronchi occur, not over any alveoli. Rhonchi usually clear after coughing.

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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.

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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.
Rhonchi are continuous, low pitched sounds with a gurgling, snoring or rattle-like quality. More common during expiration.

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