abnormalities in the breath sounds
Last reviewed 11/2020
The character of of the breath sounds should be assessed:
- bronchial breathing:
- the breath sounds are harsher than normal
- often caused by lung consolidation
- diminished breath sounds:
- pleural effusion
- pneumothorax
- emphysema
- lung collapse
Any added sounds should be noted:
- pleural rub
- rhonchi or wheezing:
- constricted air passages may cause dry tubular sounds that are often maximal on expiration
- crepitations