Vesicular
Soft, low-pitched sounds heard over most peripheral lung tissue. Inspiration is longer and louder than expiration.
Listening lab
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Headphones can make subtle details easier to hear. These clips support pattern recognition; actual patient sounds vary.
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Normal vesicular
Mostly inspiratory, soft and low-pitched
Expected over most peripheral lung fields.
Sound families
Sort sounds by continuity and location
Bronchovesicular
Medium pitch and intensity, commonly heard near the upper sternum and between the scapulae.
Bronchial / tracheal
Louder and higher-pitched, expected over the trachea or central airways—not normally over peripheral lung fields.
Wheeze
High-pitched, musical, continuous sound caused by airflow through narrowed airways; often louder on expiration.
Rhonchi
Lower-pitched, coarse, snoring-like continuous sound associated with turbulent airflow or secretions in larger airways. It may change after coughing.
Pleural friction rub
Grating or creaking sound linked to inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing together. It may be heard during both inspiration and expiration.
Fine crackles
Brief, high-pitched, delicate popping sounds, often late inspiratory and sometimes compared with separating fine hook-and-loop fastener.
Coarse crackles
Louder, lower-pitched bubbling or popping sounds, often associated with larger airways, secretions, or fluid.
Key distinction
Crackles are individual interrupted events. Wheezes and rhonchi continue for a longer portion of the breath.
Stridor
Harsh, high-pitched sound from upper-airway narrowing, often most noticeable during inspiration and over the neck.
Why it matters
Stridor with respiratory distress, drooling, swelling, trauma, altered mental status, or rapidly worsening symptoms is an airway emergency warning sign.
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A/B sound comparison
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Mystery sound
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