Respiratory: Wheeze Flashcards
What is a wheeze?
High pitched, musical lung sound, usually during expiration when airways are narrowest
(But can be inspiratory or biphasic depending on severity)
What causes a wheeze?
Narrowing of lower respiratory airways (the branches between the second and seventh generations of the airway tree)
In other words: partial obstruction of the intra thoracic airways
Can airflow be limited in the absence of wheeze?
Yes
Is it pathognomonic for any particular disease?
No, but typically present in obstructive airway diseases
What is rhoncus?
A lower pitched variant of wheeze
What does rhoncus disappear with?
Cough - suggesting secretions play a role
What are causes of acute onset wheeze?
Viral induced (or episodic) wheeze Bronchiolitis/ bronchitis Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) Bacterial tracheitis Foreign body aspiration Anaphylaxis
What are causes of chronic/ recurrent wheeze (structural abnormalities)?
Tracheo-bronchomalacia Vascular compression/rings Tracheal stenosis/webs Cystic lesions/masses Tumours/ lymphadenopathy Cardiomegaly
What functional abnormalities cause a chronic/ recurrent wheeze?
Asthma CF, PCD, immunodeficiencies Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Bronchiolitis obliterans Retained FB Vocal cord dysfunction Reflux/ recurrent aspiration CF
