From the Research
Documenting Rhonchi in All Lung Lobes
To document rhonchi in all lung lobes, it is essential to understand the characteristics of rhonchi and how they differ from other lung sounds.
- Rhonchi are low-pitched continuous sounds with a dominant frequency of about 200 Hz or less 1.
- They are often heard over the neck and are important clinical signs which nurses and laboratory technicians must be aware of 2.
- The presence of rhonchi can be an indication of an underlying condition, such as obstructive airway disease or bronchial stenosis 2, 1.
Clinical Significance of Rhonchi
- Rhonchi can be heard in patients with various conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 1.
- The characteristics of rhonchi, such as their pitch and intensity, can provide valuable information about the underlying condition 1.
- Rhonchi can be distinguished from other lung sounds, such as wheezes and crackles, based on their frequency and characteristics 2, 3, 1.
Recording and Analyzing Rhonchi
- Advances in signal processing and technology have made it possible to record lung sounds routinely at the bedside or in clinical laboratories 2.
- Lung sound analysis can be used to supplement other pulmonary function studies and provide a non-invasive and low-cost method for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions 2, 3.
- The use of adaptive digital filters can reduce contaminating noises and improve the accuracy of lung sound analysis 2.