Wheeze - Monophonic

Monophonic wheezes are loud, continuous sounds occurring in inspiration, expiration or throughout the respiratory cycle. The constant pitch of these sounds creates a musical tone. The tone is lower in pitch compared to other adventitious breath sounds. The single tone suggests the narrowing of a larger airway. These lung sounds are heard over anterior, posterior and lateral chest walls. These sounds can be more intense over lung areas affected by partial obstructions.

Patient Recording

Patient Recording - Half Speed Playback

Position

The patient's position should be sitting.

Listening Tips

Features:Loud, continuous sounds occurring throughout the respiratory cycle. Expiration period is frequently longer. Heard over anterior, posterior and lateral chest walls

Waveform (Phonocardiogram)

Authors

These authors contributed the audio recordings and text found in this reference guide: Jon Keroes, MD,Diane Wrigley, PA, and David Lieberman.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Barbara Erickson, PhD, RN, CCRN.

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