Normal respiratory sounds are faint, requiring amplification to hear. Are you whistling and crackling to the sound of music?
Your Lungs
Breath sounds can be normal or abnormal. Panting is expected during vigorous cardiovascular exercise. Normal respiratory sounds are faint, requiring amplification to hear. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a variety of respiratory conditions. Abnormal breath sounds can indicate a lung problem, such as:
- Asthma
- Fluid in lungs
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Obstruction
Within a quiet room, perhaps while drifting off to sleep, it may be possible to hear crackles (rales) or wheezing (rhonchi). If you hear your whistles and crackles while breathing with or without a stethoscope, a pulmonologist can assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Order Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease anatomy poster to hang more details about this subject on your exam room or classroom wall.
References
- Breath Sounds. healthline.com/health/breath-sounds Retrieved 21 Mar 2018
- Lung Sounds (Abnormal) Crackles (Rales) Wheezes (Rhonchi) Stridor Pleural Friction Rub Breath Sounds. YouTube.com/watch?v=U8byn2NT_lo Retrieved 21 Mar 2018
