Definition for wheezing, stridor, Crepitation

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wheezing stridor crackles definitions Merck Manual

  • Wheezing: A high-pitched, musical or whistling breath sound caused by airflow through narrowed lower airways, usually more prominent during expiration. It is common in asthma and COPD. Merck Manual definition
  • Stridor: A harsh, high-pitched sound caused by obstruction or narrowing of the upper airway such as the larynx or trachea. It is usually heard during inspiration, often without a stethoscope. New or severe stridor can indicate an airway emergency. Merck Manual description
  • Crepitations (crackles/rales): Discontinuous, non-musical popping or crackling sounds, usually heard during inspiration. Fine crepitations are short and high-pitched; coarse crepitations are lower-pitched and longer. They may occur with pneumonia, pulmonary edema/heart failure, atelectasis, or interstitial lung disease. Merck Manual description
Memory aid:
Wheeze = lower-airway whistle
Stridor = upper-airway harsh inspiratory noise
Crepitations = inspiratory popping sounds
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