01/01/2026
Lung sounds are the noises heard during breathing when air moves through the airways. They are assessed using a stethoscope and help in diagnosing respiratory conditions.
Normal lung sounds
Vesicular sounds: Soft, low-pitched sounds heard over most lung fields; indicate healthy lungs.
Bronchial sounds: Loud, high-pitched sounds heard over the trachea.
Abnormal (adventitious) lung sounds
Crackles (rales): Fine or coarse popping sounds; suggest fluid in lungs (e.g., pneumonia, pulmonary edema)
Wheezes: High-pitched musical sounds; indicate airway narrowing (e.g., asthma, bronchitis).
Rhonchi: Low-pitched, snoring sounds; due to mucus in large airways.
Stridor: Harsh, high-pitched sound during inspiration; indicates upper airway obstruction.
Pleural rub: Grating sound; due to inflamed pleural surfaces.