What does wheezing sound like

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Understanding the Sound of Wheezing: Characteristics and Clinical Relevance

What Wheezing Sounds Like: High-Pitched Whistling

Wheezing is commonly described as a high-pitched, musical, and whistling sound that occurs during breathing. It is most often heard during expiration but can also be present during inspiration . The sound is continuous and can last more than 250 milliseconds. The pitch of wheezing is typically higher, around 400 Hz, compared to other respiratory sounds like rhonchi, which have a lower pitch of around 200 Hz.

Differentiating Wheezing from Other Respiratory Sounds

Wheezing vs. Ruttles

In infants, the term "wheeze" is often used to describe various respiratory noises, but it is crucial to differentiate between true wheezing and other sounds like ruttles. Ruttles are lower in pitch, have a continuous rattling quality, and lack the musical features of wheezing. Acoustic analysis shows that wheezing has a sinusoidal waveform with distinct peaks, whereas ruttles have an irregular, non-sinusoidal waveform with diffuse peaks and increased sound intensity at frequencies below 600 Hz.

Wheezing vs. Rhonchi

Rhonchi are another type of respiratory sound that can be confused with wheezing. Rhonchi are continuous, lower-pitched sounds often described as "snoring" and are usually associated with partial obstruction of the larger airways. They differ from wheezing, which is higher-pitched and more musical .

Mechanisms Producing Wheezing

Wheezing is generated by air passing at high velocity through narrowed airways. The pitch of the wheeze is determined by the linear velocity of this jet of air and is independent of the caliber and length of the airway. This narrowing can be due to various causes, including bronchospasm, inflammation, or external compression of the airways .

Clinical Relevance of Wheezing

Wheezing is a significant clinical finding as it indicates airway obstruction. It is commonly associated with conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory diseases . However, it is essential to note that not all wheezing is due to asthma. Other conditions such as tracheal stenosis, central airway tumors, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary aspiration can also cause wheezing.

Conclusion

Wheezing is a high-pitched, musical, and continuous sound that indicates airway obstruction. Differentiating it from other respiratory sounds like ruttles and rhonchi is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the acoustic properties and clinical implications of wheezing can aid in better management of respiratory conditions.