What describes coarse rattling sounds similar to snoring caused by secretions in the bronchial airways?

The description of coarse rattling sounds similar to snoring that is caused by secretions in the bronchial airways aligns with the characteristics of rhonchi. These sounds occur when airflow is partially obstructed in the larger airways due to bronchial secretions or inflammation, often resulting in a lower-pitched sound that can resonate in the presence of mucus. Rhonchi can often be heard during expiration but may also occur during inspiration, and they typically indicate that there is some degree of fluid or blockage present within the airways.

Wheezes, in contrast, are high-pitched sounds caused primarily by the narrowing of the smaller airways and are typically associated with conditions like asthma or anaphylaxis, which is different from the lower-pitched rattling sounds indicative of rhonchi. Stridor is a harsh, grating sound produced by turbulent airflow through a narrowed upper airway, primarily heard on inspiration, and does not correspond to the presence of secretions in the bronchial airways. Crackles, also known as rales, are discontinuous sounds caused by the opening of small airways and alveoli and are often associated with conditions like pulmonary edema or pneumonia, making them distinct from the sounds described in the question.

Thus,