SLIDE 8 1/8/2014 3
Most of the abnormal breath sounds heard will be
superimposed on normal breath sounds and are called adventitious breath sounds.
Crackles, or rales, are adventitious sounds that occur as
a result of disruption of airflow in the smaller airways, usually by fluid.
Wheezes are also adventitious sounds that represent
airway obstruction from mucus, spasm, or even a foreign body.
Stridor is also cause by airway obstruction and can
- ften be confused with wheezing.
Pleural rubs are sounds that occur outside the
respiratory tree and result from friction between visceral and parietal pleura in conditions that cause inflammation of the pleura, such as pleurisy.
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http://www.wilkes.med.ucla.edu/lungintro.h
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http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/calla
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Asthma is a pulmonary disorder characterized by
reversible airway obstruction that results from hyperreactivity of the bronchial –wall smooth muscles causing narrowing, edema, and inflammation of the mucous membrane which produces excess mucous.
Allergens, stress or anxiety, smoke or other
environmental pollutants, cold ambient temperatures, and even exercise commonly trigger this hyperreactivity.
Asthma generally has two components: Inflammation, characterized by mucosal edema and increased
secretions
Bronchospasm of smooth muscle, resulting in an increase in
airway resistance and impeded flow
Signs and Symptoms Episodic, paroxysmal attacks of shortness of breath and
wheezing as well as other symptoms, such as chest tightness and dry cough
Episodes can be transient, lasting a few minutes to hours, or
prolonged over several days.
Severe attacks can be associated with much respiratory distress
and tachypnea.
Wheezing may be audible by the unaided ear in some cases. Mild cases may present only as a chronic cough. On examination, both the respiratory rate and heart rate may be
elevated, depending on the severity of the condition. Referral and Diagnostic Tests Response to β-agonist medications, such as albuterol. A decrease in the predicted forced expiratory
volume within the first second (FEV1) as measured by spirometry, is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis.
A peak flow meter provides a quick record of
pulmonary function and can be used to help assess the severity of the asthma or the effectiveness of medication.