What breath sounds are high-pitched, creaking, and accentuated on expiration?

Wheezes are characterized by their high-pitched, continuous sounds that are typically heard during expiration, although they may also occur during inspiration in some cases. These sounds result from narrowed airways due to conditions such as asthma or bronchoconstriction, causing turbulent airflow. The high pitch and creaking quality of wheezes are indicative of this narrowing, making them distinctly recognizable. In clinical practice, the presence of wheezes can signal respiratory distress and the need for interventions such as bronchodilators to alleviate airway constriction.

In contrast, other breath sounds differ in their characteristics and meanings. For instance, rhonchi are lower-pitched and often have a snoring or gurgling quality, typically associated with secretions in larger airways. Stridor is a high-pitched sound indicative of upper airway obstruction, often heard during inhalation, and is a sign of significant respiratory distress. Crackles are short, discontinuous sounds usually associated with fluid in the small airways, often heard during inhalation. Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate assessment and treatment in clinical scenarios.