Breath sounds

Question 1

whats is vesicular (normal) breath sounds characterised by

Answer 1

normal breath sounds are characterised by being more prominent at the top of the lungs and centrally with expiration being shorter and quieter than inspiration

Question 2

What are bronchial breath sounds (normal vs abnormal)

Answer 2

High-pitched, loud, and hollow sounds with a distinct pause between inspiration and expiration and are heard over the trachea and main bronchi.

If these sounds are heard in peripheral lung fields, that is abnormal.

Question 3

what causes abnormal bronchial breath sounds

Answer 3

Lung Consolidation: when lung tissue becomes firm and filled with fluid or solid material like a tumour

Lung Collapse

Pleural effusion or Pneumothorax - fluid or air in the pleural space

Question 4

what are diminished breath sounds

Answer 4

When air entry gets compromised by an obstruction or a decrease in airflow, caused by:
- pneumothorax
- pleural effusion
- emphysema
- atelectasis

Question 5

What are crackles caused by

Answer 5

These occur when there are airways that are narrowed and closed, usually caused by secretions, and are suddenly forced open on inspiration. They can be classified as fine or coarse, localised or widespread and early or late.

Question 6

whats the difference between fine crackles and coarse crackles

Answer 6

Fine crackles mean small airways and alveoli are affected and is associated with: pulmonary fibrosis, early stage pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

Coarse crackles means larger airways are obstructed like the bronchi and this is associated with chronic bronchitis, advanced pneumonia

Question 7

whats the difference between the timings of crackles

Answer 7

Early inspiratory - reopening of large airways
Late inspiratory - reopening of alveoli and peripheral airways

Early expiratory - secretions in large airways
Late expiratory - secretions in peripheral airways

Question 8

What is a wheeze

Answer 8

Air being forced through a narrow or compressed airway. It can either be high pitched, low pitched, monophonic or polyphonich

Question 9

What is pleural rub

Answer 9

when the surfaces of the pleura are inflamed or infected, they become rough and rub together, creating a grating and rubbing sound. Heard equally during inspiration and expiration