Adventitious Sounds

• What type of sound is produced in asthma and COPD?

  High pitched wheezes
• Why do wheezes occur in asthma and COPD?

  Due to narrowed or inflamed airways
• What are coarse crackles characterized by?

  Low-pitched, continuous, bubbling sounds
• What causes coarse crackles?

  Secretions from inflammation in large airways
• When do fine crackles typically occur?

  At the end of inspiration
• What is the sound of fine crackles described as?

  Popping or crackling sound
• What causes fine crackles?

  Fluid in the alveoli
• What is stridor?

  Loud, high-pitched sound on inspiration
• What does stridor indicate?

  Upper airway narrowing
• Why is stridor considered life-threatening?

  It indicates severe upper airway obstruction
• What type of treatment is required for stridor?

  Emergency treatment
• What is a pleural friction rub?

  Low pitched grating or creaking sound
• What causes a pleural friction rub?

  Inflammation of the pleura