

There are several causes of diminished breath sounds. That isn’t to say that this is always the case. They are also present in patients with severe obstructive conditions. These sounds are often present in patients with decreased lung volumes. Consolidation in the patient’s right lower lobeĪs previously mentioned, diminished breath sounds are soft, distant lung sounds with a lower volume and intensity. So by using what we know about breath sounds, as well as the process of elimination, you can easily determine that the correct answer has to be D. And for the TMC Exam, you must remember that patient with pneumonia usually show signs of consolidation.Ī pneumothorax or pleural effusion are not identified by bronchial breath sounds which means that we can rule those out immediately. To get this one right, you had to know that bronchial breath sounds are sometimes heard in patients with pneumonia. However, if you hear bronchial breath sounds over the lung periphery, this is an abnormal finding. Consolidation in the patient’s right lower lobeīronchial breath sounds are normal when heard over the trachea. Pleural effusion in the patient’s right lower lobeĭ. This would indicate which of the following?Ĭ. While auscultating the lungs, you hear bronchial breath sounds over the right lower lobe. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus.A 63-year-old male patient was recently admitted to the ICU. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited without authorization. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Wheezing and other abnormal sounds can sometimes be heard without a stethoscope.Ī.D.A.M., Inc. They are most often heard when a person breathes out (exhales). High-pitched sounds produced by narrowed airways. Usually it is due to a blockage of airflow in the windpipe (trachea) or in the back of the throat. Wheeze-like sound heard when a person breathes.

They occur when air is blocked or air flow becomes rough through the large airways. Rales can be further described as moist, dry, fine, and course. They are believed to occur when air opens closed air spaces. They are heard when a person breathes in (inhales). Small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lungs. There are several types of abnormal breath sounds.

Normal lung sounds occur in all parts of the chest area, including above the collarbones and at the bottom of the rib cage. The lung sounds are best heard with a stethoscope.
