Rhonchi are coarse, loud lung sounds indicative of airway obstruction. They signal potential respiratory issues and require medical attention.
Understanding Rhonchi
Rhonchi are characterized by their:
- Coarse quality: They sound like snoring or gurgling.
- Loudness: They are typically easily audible with a stethoscope.
- Cause: They are produced by air moving through constricted or obstructed large airways, including the tracheobronchial passages. (28-Aug-2023)
When Rhonchi Occur
Rhonchi can be heard:
- During expiration (exhalation)
- During both inspiration (inhalation) and expiration
- Crucially, rhonchi are never heard during inspiration alone. (28-Aug-2023)
Distinguishing Rhonchi from Other Lung Sounds
It's important to differentiate rhonchi from other adventitious (abnormal) lung sounds, such as:
| Sound | Description | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Rhonchi | Coarse, loud, snoring or gurgling | Constricted or obstructed large airways |
| Wheezes | High-pitched, whistling | Narrowed airways (e.g., asthma) |
| Crackles | Fine, crackling or bubbling | Fluid in the small airways or alveoli (e.g., pneumonia, heart failure) |
Clinical Significance
The presence of rhonchi can indicate various conditions, including:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Other conditions causing airway obstruction.
A healthcare professional should evaluate rhonchi to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
