From the Guidelines
The expiratory rattling sound heard on auscultation is called rhonchi. Rhonchi are continuous, low-pitched, coarse sounds that resemble snoring and are typically heard during expiration. They occur when air moves through airways that are partially obstructed by secretions, mucus, or inflammation, causing the airway walls to vibrate. Rhonchi often clear or change after coughing, which helps distinguish them from other respiratory sounds. These sounds are commonly associated with conditions like chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchiectasis, or pneumonia where excess mucus production occurs.
When documenting rhonchi, it's essential to note their location (which lung fields), timing (primarily expiratory), and any changes after interventions like coughing or deep breathing. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may include bronchodilators, mucolytics, chest physiotherapy, or antibiotics if infection is present, as suggested by 1. Understanding these sounds helps clinicians assess airway patency and monitor response to respiratory treatments.
Some key points to consider when evaluating rhonchi include:
- The presence of rhonchi can indicate airway obstruction or inflammation, as noted in 1 and 1.
- The location and timing of rhonchi can provide clues about the underlying cause, such as bronchiectasis or COPD, as discussed in 1 and 1.
- Treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause, rather than just managing symptoms, as emphasized in 1 and 1.
By prioritizing the most recent and highest-quality evidence, such as 1, clinicians can provide effective treatment and improve patient outcomes.
From the Research
Expiratory Rattling Sound on Auscultation
- The expiratory rattling sound heard on auscultation is often associated with various respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2, 3, 4.
- However, the specific term for this sound is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies.
- Auscultation of the respiratory system is a crucial part of diagnosing respiratory disorders, and it involves assessing airflow through the trachea-bronchial tree 5.
- Abnormal sounds such as crackles, wheezes, and pleural rubs can be indicative of underlying pathophysiological processes, and distinguishing these sounds from normal respiratory sounds is essential for accurate diagnosis 5.
Related Conditions
- COPD is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation and damage to the lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing 2, 3, 4.
- The provided studies discuss the efficacy of various treatments for COPD, including fluticasone propionate/salmeterol and azithromycin, but do not specifically address the expiratory rattling sound on auscultation 2, 3, 4.
- The study on auscultation of the respiratory system highlights the importance of understanding the underlying pathophysiology of lung sounds generation for better diagnosis and management of respiratory disorders 5.