What is the term for abnormal breath sounds that occur due to an obstructed airway?

The term for abnormal breath sounds that occur due to an obstructed airway is known as stridor. Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that is typically heard during inhalation and indicates a significant narrowing or obstruction in the upper airway. This can occur due to various reasons, such as swelling from an allergic reaction, infections like croup, or foreign body aspiration.

Stridor is particularly important in a clinical setting because it often signals an airway emergency that requires immediate intervention. Unlike other abnormal breath sounds, stridor is specifically associated with upper airway obstructions and reflects the turbulence of airflow through a narrowed passage.

In contrast, rhonchi are low-pitched sounds usually produced by obstructions in the larger airways, wheezing is a high-pitched sound typically related to lower airway conditions like asthma, and crackles often manifest due to fluid in the alveoli or atelectasis, which is a different pathology altogether. Understanding the distinction between these sounds helps in assessing and managing respiratory issues effectively.