Rhonchi are an abnormal breath sound, characterized as low-pitched, coarse, and rattling. They often suggest secretions within the larger airways of the lungs. Healthcare providers identify these irregularities through auscultation, which can indicate various respiratory conditions.
The Sound of Rhonchi
Rhonchi produce a continuous, low-pitched sound, often described as rumbling, snoring, or gurgling. The sound can resemble a snort or a rattle. Their continuous nature distinguishes them from intermittent lung sounds. While frequently heard during exhalation, rhonchi can also be present during inhalation. A notable characteristic is that their sound can sometimes clear or change after a person coughs, temporarily shifting the secretions.
What Causes Rhonchi
Rhonchi occur when air moves through narrowed or partially obstructed large airways, specifically the bronchi. This obstruction is typically caused by thick secretions such as mucus, or by fluid or inflammation. The air struggling to pass through these constricted passages creates the characteristic low-pitched sound. Conditions commonly associated with rhonchi include bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis, all of which can lead to increased mucus production or inflammation.
Distinguishing Rhonchi from Other Lung Sounds
Differentiating rhonchi from other abnormal lung sounds is important for understanding respiratory health. Unlike rhonchi, wheezes are higher-pitched, musical, and whistling sounds, resulting from air passing through significantly narrowed airways, often heard during exhalation. Crackles, also known as rales, are short, discontinuous, popping or crackling sounds. They usually originate in smaller airways or alveoli and are often associated with fluid accumulation or the sudden opening of collapsed air sacs, typically heard during inhalation. Key distinctions lie in the pitch, continuity, and the size of the airways affected.
When to Seek Medical Attention
The presence of rhonchi, or any other abnormal lung sounds, indicates an underlying respiratory issue that warrants professional medical evaluation. Their cause requires diagnosis and appropriate treatment by a healthcare provider. It is advisable to seek medical attention if rhonchi are newly present, worsen over time, or are accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms might include shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, persistent coughing, or unusual fatigue. This information serves educational purposes only and should not replace personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.