Define Adventitious Lung Sounds

Introduction

Auscultation guide for adventitious lung sounds. On this page we provide a definition and then we present examples of several types of adventitious lung sounds using audio recordings and text. Links to the free training courses are noted as well.

What Are Adventitious Lung Sounds?

Adventitious lung sounds are abnormal sounds that are heard over a patient's lungs and airways. These sounds include fine and coarse crackles (crackles are also called rales), wheezes (sometimes called rhonchi), pleural rubs and stridor. Adventitious breath sounds are important clues used for diagnosing numerous cardiac and pulmonary conditions. These sounds and corresponding conditions are described in our breath sounds courses.

Listen

These are some examples of adventitious lung sounds.

Crackles

Crackles are discontinuous, brief, popping sounds. Similar to the sound of a hook and loop fastener being pulled apart

The patient's position is seated.

Wheeze

Wheezes are continuous, musical sounds, high or low-pitched. Usually more pronounced on expiration.

Audio Playback

The patient's position is seated.

Pleural Rubs

Pleural rubs are creaking or grating sounds that have been described as being similar to walking on fresh snow.

Audio Playback

The patient's position is seated.

Stridor

A loud, high-pitched sound heard during inspiration but may also occur throughout the respiratory cycle.

Audio Playback

The patient's position is sitting.

Respiratory Sounds Reference Guide

Our auscultation guide provides information and examples of adventitious breath sounds. The guide pages provide waveforms with a moving cursor that is synchronized to the audio recording. In addition, listening tips are available.

Lung Sounds Reference Guide

Quick Links to Other Breath Sounds

While we have many breath sound lessons and quick references on this website. Please use the links below.

Vesicular Breath Sounds
Bronchial Breath Sounds
Adventitious Breath Sounds
Adventitious Lung Sounds
Wheezing
Rhonchi
Fine and Coarse Crackles
Rales
Egophony
Auscultate
Auscultation Lung Sounds Audio

Related Lessons

Learn important breath sounds. Our lessons cover over 15 adventitious breath sounds. Please review the lesson descriptions and links below.

Authors and Reviewers

Authored by Diane Wrigley, PA
Medically reviewed by Dr. Barbara Erickson, PhD, RN, CCRN.

Authors and Reviewers

Heart sounds by Dr. Jonathan Keroes, MD and David Lieberman, Developer, Virtual Cardiac Patient.
Lung sounds by Diane Wrigley, PA
Respiratory cases: William French
David Lieberman, Audio Engineering
Heart sounds mentorship by W. Proctor Harvey, MD
Special thanks for the medical mentorship of Dr. Raymond Murphy
Reviewed by Dr. Barbara Erickson, PhD, RN, CCRN.
Last Update: 12/11/2022

Sources

Heart and Lung Sounds Reference Library Diane S. Wrigley
Publisher: PESI
Impact Patient Care: Key Physical Assessment Strategies and the Underlying Pathophysiology
Diane S Wrigley & Rosale Lobo
Practical Clinical Skills: Lung Sounds
Essential Lung Sounds Diane S. Wrigley, PA-C
Published by MedEdu LLC
PESI Faculty - Diane S Wrigley
Case Profiles in Respiratory Care 3rd Ed, 2019
William A.French
Published by Delmar Cengage
Essential Lung Sounds by William A. French
Published by Cengage Learning, 2011
Understanding Lung Sounds Steven Lehrer, MD
Clinical Heart Disease W Proctor Harvey, MD
Clinical Heart Disease
Laennec Publishing; 1st edition (January 1, 2009)