Bronchial

Bronchial breath sounds are hollow, tubular sounds that are higher pitched compared to vesicular sounds. They can be auscultated over the trachea where they are considered normal. There is a distinct pause in the sound between inspiration and expiration. I:E ratio is 1:3.

Patient Recording

Patient Recording - Half Speed Playback

Position

The patient's position should be seated.

Listening Tips

Features:Hollow, tubular sounds that are higher-pitched. Considered abnormal if heard over the peripheral lung fields. Distinct pause in the sound between inspiration and expiration. Inspiration to expiration ratio of 1:2 or 1:3

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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